Jonathon Taylor

1952 - 2022

SALAMANCA - Jonathon Taylor passed away while resting peacefully on Tuesday morning (Aug. 16, 2022) at the age of 69, after a courageous battle with cancer. Despite his illness, true to character, Jon remained hopeful and resilient until the very end.

Born Sept. 4, 1952, in Salamanca, he was the son of the late John "Jack" and June Meek Taylor. Jon left this world just one day earlier than his father, who passed Aug. 17, 1995.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam. Jon had been employed at a local youth camp, as a carpenter with Allegany State Park and had previously been a self-employed contractor.

Jon loved a lot of things. Carpentry ran in his blood. The man could build anything and enjoyed teaching his wealth of knowledge. He enjoyed watching old Western movies, and loved John Wayne. He was a history buff, namely Civil War history, which was illustrated by a family trip to Gettysburg in the mid-90s. He loved spaghetti ("sketti"), making his own bean soup and was infamous for his unique dialect – he even loved "warshing" his dishes.

He loved playing cards, fantasy football and watching the Buffalo Bills. He often talked about being around to watch them win the Super Bowl - maybe this year they'll do it for him. He loved Willie Nelson and The Guess Who. He loved being around family, with handfuls of family get-togethers, camping trips to the state park and trips to the Outer Banks; memories that will forever be cherished.

More than anything, he enjoyed spending time with friends and family, sharing laughs and telling stories. Lastly, he was endlessly proud of his kids.

Surviving are three daughters, Angie Damon, Lauren (Adam) Morris Taylor and Jordyn Koniak; a son, Jacob (Katie) Taylor; a sister, Mary (Kevin) DiPasquale; two brothers, Richard (Linda) Taylor and Timothy Taylor; four grandchildren, Colton Taylor, Adrian Taylor, Shawn Taylor and Macklyn Morris; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his mother and father, Jack and June; two sisters, Donna Moore and Lorraine Mendell; and three brothers, John James Taylor, Kevin Taylor and Kurt Taylor.

"Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway." – John "The Duke" Wayne.

Carved from pure granite and dipped in gasoline, Jon was as gritty as they come, and he always saddled up. In the face of fear, doubt, unpleasant news and pain - always saddled up until the very end. Now, he can finally rest. Dismount his horse, hang up his saddle, take a long, deep breath of warm air as the sun hits his face. Walk confidently (as he did his whole life) with his shoulders back and his head held high as his boots kick up dirt behind him. Push open those saloon doors as they emit a slow, welcoming creak. Choose a stool at the bar, right next to John Wayne, and order some beers. They introduce themselves even though they already seem to know each other. "John," "Jon," they say as they shake hands and nod. They laugh for hours as they share their stories…their memories…their lives.

He will be forever missed, but is finally at peace. Telling stories, watching Westerns, eating spaghetti, building things - living his best life. Fly high, pilgrim. We love you.

There will be no formal visitation. That wasn't his style. Instead, Jon will be honored in a celebration of life at the convenience of the family and will be announced.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St., Salamanca.

E-condolences can be sent to laurenjotaylor@gmail.com.