Dwight L. Taylor

In Loving Memory of Dwight L. Taylor, Devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Compassionate Healer

Dwight L. Taylor, 74, of Cumberland, passed away peacefully after a courageous five-year battle with cancer, surrounded by the unwavering love of his family and friends.

Born in Warwick to the late Leonard W. and Mary E. (Costa) Taylor, Dwight was raised in Coventry, where he graduated from Coventry High School in 1969. He spent much of his life in West Greenwich before making his home in Cumberland, always cherishing the communities he served and the people he met along the way.

A man devoted to the service of others, Dwight began his career as a respiratory therapist before discovering his true vocation as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). His gentle humor, compassion, and steadfast presence touched the lives of countless patients and colleagues throughout his years at Kent County and Rhode Island Hospitals. Dwight built lifelong friendships and earned the respect of all who worked alongside him. He retired in 2020, proud of a career defined by care and commitment.

For 36 years, Dwight shared an extraordinary partnership with his beloved wife and best friend, Elizabeth "Betty" Taylor. Together they built a life rich in laughter, love, and adventure. Dwight was a proud father to James Taylor (Leah) and his two sons of West Warwick and a loving "second dad" to Tammy Murray (Michael) of Bow, NH, and Lynn Samartano (Michael) of Leeds, ME. He found endless joy in his grandsons, Matthew and Ryan Murray, especially during their cherished annual ski trips. The family grew to include a great-grandchild and many adoring nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Service was a guiding principle in Dwight's life. He volunteered with the West Greenwich Fire Company Station 1, rising to the role of Deputy Chief. Always ready with a helping hand, Dwight was known for his calm leadership and unwavering sense of duty.

Dwight embraced life's many passions. He enjoyed target shooting and treasured his weekly range outings and camaraderie with his good friend, Kenny Duval. His adventurous spirit extended into the skies, as he earned a private pilot's license and cultivated a lifelong love of travel. Hawaii was a favorite destination, but Ogunquit, Maine, became a cherished tradition, with he and Betty returning each September to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

At home, Dwight was rarely without the company of his devoted cats-Athena, his vigilant guardian, and Sassy, his playful companion-who brought him comfort and joy.

Those fortunate enough to know Dwight will remember his quick wit, boundless kindness, and remarkable ability to put others at ease. His calm under pressure and generous spirit were a source of strength and inspiration. Dwight lived fully, loved deeply, and leaves behind a legacy of compassion and friendship. He will be profoundly missed by all who were blessed to know him.

The family would like to extend appreciation to his entire care team, especially Jennifer Halter, RN and Drs. Sarah Slater and Humberto A. Rossi of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Dwight's Life Celebration to begin with Visiting Hours on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 11 AM, followed by a Prayer Service at 11 AM in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road Cumberland, RI. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dwight's memory to Dana-Faber https://tinyurl.com/uyzxc6tx or mailed to Cancer Research Institute, 29 Broadway, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10006-3111, or to the West Greenwich Volunteer Fire Department, Station 1, 830 Nooseneck Hill Rd, West Greenwich, RI 02817

Online memorial: jjduffyfuneralhome.com

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