Craig Nelson Taylor

Craig Nelson Taylor was born in 1955 in Newark, New Jersey, where he was also raised. He graduated from East Side High School in 1974 and shortly after enlisted in the United States military.

Following his service, Craig enjoyed a long career as a cook, retiring from Classic Café in Fairfield, NJ. After retirement, Craig could not just sit still - he kept himself busy with different odd jobs, including helping his cousin Michelle with her properties.

In 2013, when his niece purchased her ice cream truck, Craig jumped right in to help run it every summer until last year - when, depending on the day, he either "retired" or "got fired" (as he was known to be fired from time to time). After his ice cream chapter ended, Craig began selling sweat suits, quickly becoming known around his apartment building as "The Sweat Suits Guy."

A true Newark native, Craig often said everywhere he went, he knew someone - or at least thought they looked familiar. His gift for conversation meant he could talk to anyone as if they'd known each other for years. He would often joke that he could run for mayor and win because of the number of people he knew. Everyone who met him loved his giving spirit, his sense of humor, and his warm, loving personality.

Craig was preceded in death by his mother, Theresa Gregory, and his father, Daniel Cook. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Kimberly Alexander-Taylor; his daughter, Theresa Denise Taylor; his grandson, Jamar Isaiah Taylor; three siblings: Jacqueline Kieonna Postell (brother-in-law Tommie Postell), Raheem Cook (sister-in-law Kathleen Butler-Cook), and Daniel "Malik" Cook (sister-in-law Gloria Cook); his niece, Rasheedah Cook-Peebles (husband Kevin Peebles); and great-niece, Nevaeh Peebles - who, along with Rasheedah and Kevin, were by his side through the thick of things. He is also survived by his good friends/brothers, Ruben, June and Ramon, as well as a host of extended family members, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Craig Nelson Taylor. Leave a message on the Tribute Wall to share your favorite memories and offer words of sympathy and comfort.