Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
TAYLOR C. SINCLAIR
1964 - 2014
TAYLOR C. SINCLAIR
1964 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
TAYLOR SINCLAIR Obituary
TAYLOR C.
January 1, 1964 - May 23, 2014, Taylor Carroll Sinclair, a talented guitar player, patient friend and seafood lover, died Friday, at the age of 50. The son of Carroll and Celia Sinclair, Taylor was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA where he attended Shady Side Academy and Taylor-Allderdice High School. While Taylor often heard the refrain of "not living up to his potential," those who knew him best understood Taylor always preferred to follow his own path, which evolved from Legos to skateboards, to CB radios, and eventually to music. Throughout Taylor's teenage years, the house shook with the sound of bands practicing in the basement. His high school passion turned into a profession. Taylor played lead guitar in several well-known Pittsburgh groups, including Room to Move and Bill Deasy's band. The realities of being a working musician eventually led Taylor back to school. He earned two degrees from Duquesne University in 1995 and 2000, and went on to teach on the music staff and oversee the computer lab. Far from a health fanatic, Taylor loved strong coffee, cigarettes, anything fried, and dessert, the sweeter the better. While he lived first in Pittsburgh and later in St. Paul, MN, his spiritual home was in Maine. Having spent summers there as a boy, he returned often as an adult to consume obscene amounts of lobsters and clams, preferably with a view of the ocean, followed by blueberry pie a`la mode. His struggles with addiction derailed him more than once. He got sober in 2007 thanks to Hazelden and the support of close friends, Jeff Frankson, Anne Graf, Laura Mckinney, and Molly Wold. Their love and support probably kept Taylor going long after he had given up on himself. He will be remembered above all for his kindness, patience, sense of humor, and inability to be on time for anything, ever. He is survived by the dear friends mentioned above along with his sister, Amy Sinclair; brother-in -law, Tux Turkel; nephew, Zachary Turkel; and ex-wife, Kristie Henderson, with whom he maintained a close friendship. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a donation to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation or a recovery program of your choosing, or paying the price of admission to see some working musicians play live. The funeral is private.
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mary Wall OBryon
May 23, 2024
I remember being teenagers with Taylor and Fred Hetzel hanging out while they had band practice.
Great memories
1990 Room to Move at the Decade in Pittsburgh
Kurt Weber
January 28, 2016
Jon Klein
December 30, 2015
Taylor was the nicest guy, and always one of the best guitarists in Pittsburgh. Growing up in Squirrel Hill, everyone knew how good a musician Taylor Sinclair was. The personification of cool. His love for mankind and music was immense. Godspeed Taylor.
June 11, 2015
To my brother I miss you everyday. I love you. Someday I will see you again. RIP my dear friend Your Nene.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Kristen
May 11, 2015
I had Taylor as a music tech teacher from 2001-2005, and he was way more of a teacher - he was a mentor and a friend. I was struggling with heroin addiction at that time, and he was the one person with whom I could be honest and get real advice from. I didn't know that he also struggled with addiction, though. I just found out about his death, and I am so saddened to hear that he succumbed to this insidious disease. I don't even know what to say, other than that he will forever be remembered as a formative figure in my life. I have not seen him since graduation, and have now been clean for 10 years and went on to get my masters degree, but I have often thought about Taylor in the time since. To hear about his passing just breaks my heart. Deepest condolences to his family and friends, and please know that Taylor made such a significant impact on my life. - Kristen
September 25, 2014
Taylor,
You are a good friend and a great teacher. I've learned so much from you. Godspeed and blessings to you and your family.
Tom Kubilius
Aaron Hoopes
August 24, 2014
Taylor was one of my closest friends as a child. He truly followed his dream of music. be at peace brother.
Jennifer Solow
August 2, 2014
Taylor was my very first boyfriend, the kind of first, puppyish love that makes your heart ache every minute that you're apart and makes every love song seem like it's about you. I think our crazy 8th grade love really only lasted a few weeks, but it stuck in my heart forever.
I am an author and I included him in the dedication of my first novel, The Booster, in 2006. I'd heard from a mutual that it made him happy to hear. Thanks for being that guy, Taylor. You'll always have a spot in my heart.
July 31, 2014
Just read in the Kennebunk, maine paper of Taylor's passing. Very sad to read this. We had lots of fun during the summers at Kennebunk beach. He was so talented and kind. He will be missed. Rest in peace. Love and condolences to family and friends Cynthia Ward
Mark
July 29, 2014
Taylor
You were a good friend and student, I will always remember
our hangs and lessons at Duquesne.
I will truly miss you so much, we had some great times and some
down times as well. You were such a talented musician and music tech guy. I hope the Angels are hearing you play and learning from you!
May God Bless you Always!!!!
June 23, 2014
i will miss my friend,,,( this part is for his sister,,im a photograpger,i have several old pics,,if you would like to see them,, bob durbin 304 479 3826
Julie Sadler-DeCaro
June 9, 2014
Tay,
You will be truly missed.
Jules
shereen hassibi-clair
June 5, 2014
Iknew Taylor growing up and through the nineties.He was a great person and I will miss him
Mitch L
May 31, 2014
My deepest sympathies to Taylor's family and friends. I got to ride the school bus with Taylor from Allderdice to CAPA every day and watch him goof around with Lisa and the others. He was an incredibly funny and good hearted guy. He also had amazing musical instincts. I recall one CAPA recital that really inspired me to stop practicing the piano and focus 100% on guitar. Taylor was playing "Blue Bossa" and it was spectacular - his guitar playing was just so fluid and the melodies seemed absolutely perfect. I lost touch with him after he graduated high school, but I have never forgotten him. I heard Blue Bossa today, thought of Taylor and decided to search for him and finally get in touch with him. I was shocked and very sad when I realized I was too late... RIP my friend
Lynn Purse
May 31, 2014
I was so saddened to hear about Taylor's death. I had the pleasure of teaching Taylor at Duquesne and then working with him as a colleague. Such a bright guy and a great musician. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
Jeanne Cohen-Sicuro
May 31, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Taylor's friends and family.. What an amazing talent.. He was truly incredible to watch and hear.. I am honored and thankful to have the memories of Room to Move and this exceptional musician
Suzan Berman
May 29, 2014
I was just talking about our times at CAPA with another friend. Although I hadn't seen Taylor in a long while, I always considered him a friend. I am very sorry to hear of his passing and my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who was touched by Taylor.
Mark Bumbera
May 28, 2014
As witness to countless Room To Move gigs,
I will always have one lasting memory of
Taylor: During band breaks between sets,
while everyone else in the band was
socializing with friends, hanging out and
having fun, Taylor was still onstage, messing
with his guitar, messing with his amp,
messing with his pedals, striving to achieve
the perfect sound in time for the next set. Taylor was a fun and funny
guy [with a great dry sense of humor], but
the music always came first, even if it was
just a simple bar gig. Room To Move was a
great band with a huge legion of fans even
before Taylor joined; his arrival, however,
took them to a whole new level musically
which in turn won them even more fans in the
process [Taylor definitely had his own fan
club within the fan club]. A great guy and a
true professional! Thanks Taylor for being a
huge part of one of the best periods of my
life. You've definitely left your mark on me-
rest in peace.
Bum [Mark Bumbera]
LAURA MASDEA
May 28, 2014
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO ALL FRIENDS AND FAMILY, SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
Janel Morris
May 28, 2014
We here at Synergy Homecare are so very sorry for the loss if Taylor. He was so sweet and his caregivers will miss him greatly. It was on honor to take care of Taylor for the time we had him.
Gar Misra
May 28, 2014
I am deeply saddened to hear of Taylor's passing. We played in Bill Deasy's band together; I hadn't been in touch with Taylor for some years and wasn't aware until now that he had been dealing with some personal struggles. I remember him as being very kind, generous, warm-hearted, and of course a brilliant guitarist, one of the finest with whom I ever had the pleasure of playing. Great memories of road trips to State College and Boston, and reveling in his amazing chops at those fun gigs at Club Cafe and Nick's Fat City. My heart goes out to his family and friends. He will be sincerely missed.
Andy Snyder
May 28, 2014
So sorry to hear about Taylor. Grateful that we had been friends. Great memories!!
My condolences to his family & friends.
karen farrell
May 28, 2014
I'm very saddened to hear of Taylors passing...I knew him when he was with room to move....he was an amazing musician & man...my thoughts & prayers go out to his family & friends he will be missed...RIP Taylor until we meet again!
Ken Karsh
May 28, 2014
I was the one who submitted this following message on May 26, 2014.
“I am stunned, saddened, and sorry that we have lost a wonderful and talented person. Taylor, it was a pleasure working with you at Duquesne. I will miss you. Rest in peace and go with God.”
Your friend & Colleague,
Ken
Gregory Olverson
May 28, 2014
It's too bad I never had the chance to meet him. He sounded like a real nice guy. So sad to hear about his passing at such a young age. Condolances to all the family and friends. J. Gregory Olverson.
Kelly Varley
May 28, 2014
I am so sorry to hear about Taylor. I was friends with him in the 80s when I attended Pitt. He was always such a sweet guy! I have fond memories of him and the Room to Move band. Thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.
Nancy Goldberg Zampella
May 27, 2014
Anyone who heard him play will never forget it. I know I never did. My condolences to Taylor's family & friends. May your sorrow be eased by happy memories.
Anthony Selmeczy
May 27, 2014
I'm tremendously saddened to hear of this. It has been over 20 years since I spoke with Taylor, shows that one should take nothing for granted. He was (and always will be) my music idol. Too soon, too young, for one so talented. You will be remembered, and deeply missed.
Donna Anderson
May 27, 2014
Very sorry to hear of Taylor's passing. I didn't know him well but as a long time Bill Deasy fan I had the pleasure of hearing and watching him play many times during his time with Bill's band. I am thankful that he shared his musical gift with me and so many others. My condolences to the family - I am especially sad to hear of his troubles. May he rest in peace.
Katalin Gyorgyey-Berger
May 27, 2014
When Darren introduced me to Taylor, I know that there was something exceptional about him. I never forgot that moment, or watching the two of them jam. Never will. Condolences to the family.
Bill Maruca
May 27, 2014
Very sad news. I didn't know Taylor well but I was always very impressed with his talent and chops. I have great memories of hearing him with Room to Move and others (including "Otis and the Red Z" with the late Bobby Porter). My condolences to his family.
Holly Greene
May 27, 2014
Although I never met Taylor in person, having worked closely with Bill Deasy during the time he played for the band, I was well-aware of his musical proficiency. If I hadn't heard it with my own ears, I would have known regardless, from Bill's enthusiasm and praise, as well as the accolades that continually poured in from fans. During that time, I also heard about Taylor's generous but troubled spirit. I know there was a time of concern, and was happy to hear that he had found his way back. I am so truly sorry to learn of Taylor's passing -- my condolences to the family, and all his friends and fans. May he rest in peace.
John Milnes
May 27, 2014
Taylor was a very kind, warm person. He was wonderful to spend time with. I feel blessed to have had him as a friend.
Gary Podolsky
May 27, 2014
Very saddened to hear of Taylor's passing. What a talented and inspirational musician. He will be missed to all that knew him.
Lisa Dobler Mullen
May 27, 2014
I will always have sweet memories of Taylor. He was very special to me.
Jim Morrison
May 26, 2014
I had the honor of joining Taylor onstage for a brief moment during my time in Pittsburgh. He will always have a warm spot in my heart.
Donna Dox
May 26, 2014
My condolences to Taylors family & friends.... I only hung out with him a few years but they were fun years. He will always have a special place in my heart for the songs he and his good friend Molly sang at Andy's remembrance of life celebration. You will be missed friend!
Jeff Marino
May 26, 2014
To sad for words ;(
He is going to be missed by all who knew him, and even ones who did not
Mike & Nancy Longo
May 26, 2014
We loved coming to see Room To Move. It was always good music, good times, & good friends. Taylor was a wonderful addition to all of those things. His warm & friendly smile will be missed by everyone. So sorry about his passing.
Joe McGuire
May 26, 2014
Playing with Taylor was always a joy he taught me so much. Taylor always blew up the crowd whenever he took his solo. We shared a lot of great times together he will surely be missed. Rest in peace brother
May 26, 2014
I can remember the first time he played with Room to Move and the rides to gigs with him. So sorry for your loss. Jim Dawson
Krissy (Banos) Leonard
May 26, 2014
I was a big fan of Taylor's in the Room to Move days. He was a great musician and had a wonderful sense of humor. My condolences and hopes that family can find peace at this difficult time.
May 26, 2014
I am deeply saddened to hear of Taylor's passing. I played with Taylor for many years, and often think of him. He was an extremely talented person and a wonderful human being. I lost track of him over the years, and recently tried to look him up. I know of many people that I run into in my travels who will be very saddened to here of his passing. I did get a nice chuckle from the line of Taylor always being late. I used to beg him to please come to gigs on time. Long may you run! Love always Shaggy
Helene Milan
May 26, 2014
Very sad to hear this....
I played with Taylor in the late eighties, not only was he an incredible musician but also one of the sweetest guys I've ever known.
My sincere condolences to his family & friends.
Brian Edwards
May 26, 2014
My condolences to Taylor's family. I attended the original C.A.P.A. high school with Taylor. He was an amazing musician and a stand out individual. R.I.P. Taylor.
Stephanie Dobler Cerra
May 26, 2014
I knew Taylor through my sister Lisa, and went to one of Erebus' rehearsals. Taylor was always such a friendly guy. I'm very sorry to hear this sad news.
May 26, 2014
I am stunned, saddened, and sorry that we have lost a wonderful and talented person. Taylor, it was a pleasure working with you at Duquesne. I will miss you. Rest in peace and go with God.
Beth Mcclelland
May 26, 2014
Sympathies to all. I do not know him, but it sounds like through his struggles he had a wonderful life full of love and music. Sounds like he lived up to his potential to ME!
Showing 1 - 48 of 48 results
Make a Donation
in TAYLOR SINCLAIR's name
How to support TAYLOR's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor TAYLOR SINCLAIR's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
