Search by Name

Search by Name

Reverend Doctor Walter Edward Taylor

1924 - 2018

BORN

1924

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

William J. Burke & Sons / Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes

628 North Broadway

Saratoga Springs, New York

Walter Taylor Obituary

Reverend Doctor Walter Edmund TaylorSARATOGA SPRINGS - Reverend Doctor Walter Edward Taylor passed away in the warm company of his family in Saratoga Springs, New York on January 4, 2018. He was 93 years old.Walter was born on September 23, 1924 in Medford, Massachusetts. Walter is an alumni of Boston University where he received an undergraduate degree, a Masters degree in Theology, and a Masters degree in Pastoral Counseling. Walter also received a Doctorate degree from Andover Newton Theological School in pastoral psychology. Walter lived a life of meaning and his impact was widespread to those around him. He served a 23 year tenure with the Voorheesville Methodist Church where he preached about love and compassion. His tenure was followed by 16 years as the Director of The Albany United Methodist Society in Albany, New York. Walter's work as a minister focused on aiding and assisting the lives of the underprivileged in difficult socioeconomic situations. Walter strongly believed it is important "to treat each human being with dignity, no exceptions." Walter was a life long advocate for those less fortunate, serving as Vice President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, as Disaster Chairman for the American Red Cross for over twenty years, and as a member of the Solidarity Committee. Walter served as the Executive Director for the Albany Methodist Society for over 15 years, a Chaplin for the Rensselaer Youth Camp for over 20 Years, and a Chaplin for Albany Medical Center for 5 Years.His passion and love for serving those less fortunate was second only to his love for his family and his beloved wife Lucille Clark Taylor, who he met in a lunch line at Boston University and was blissfully married to for over sixty-six years. Lucille predeceased Walter and his family finds solace that they are reunited and are dancing together once again.After a successful career as a minister, Walter and his wife Lucille retired to Cape Cod where he enjoyed wood carving, watching the Boston Red Sox, fishing, playing softball with the Cape Cod Softball League and most of all, time with his three children and ten grandchildren. Walter and Lucille lived together at the Wesley Community until her death in 2012. In addition to his beloved wife Lucille Taylor, Walter is predeceased by his two brothers, Grayden Taylor and Phillip Taylor.A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Walter is survived by his sister Martha Headbloom of Pennsylvania and his three children: Susan Sellers of Westchester, PA; Robert Taylor (Barbara Taylor) of Bonita Springs, FL; and Jo Anne Gabriels (Jeffrey Gabriels) of East Greenbush, NY. Walter is also survived by ten grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service to honor the life of Walter at 10 o'clock a.m. Saturday, February 10th, 2017, at the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave., at the corner of Henning Road in Saratoga Springs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Walter Taylor and Lucille Clark Taylor Award Fund, c/o Boston University Office of Gifts and Records, 595 Commonwealth Ave., Suite 700 West, Boston, MA 02215. Arrangements are under the direction of William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 518-584-5373. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkfuneralhome.com.The family of Walter Taylor would like to thank the kind nurses of Hospice and Wesley Community.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Saratogian from Jan. 10 to Jan. 11, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Taylor

Sponsored by Saratogian.com.

Not sure what to say?





Julie and Michael Nemser

February 16, 2018

Dear Bob,

Wally's legacy of a life well-lived is evidenced in his wonderful family. His words that were shared in the program for the memorial service speak to how he treated his fellow man with dignity and respect. So moving.

Julie and Michael Nemser

January 28, 2018

My name is Cory Bernthon I am a volunteer at Wesley health care center for five and half years. I used to volunteer for 2 Victoria for a month doing visitation then the volunteer director at the time Pat Quinn, I said Pat I don't mind doing 2 Victoria visitation but is there a person I can visit with as a weekly basis, and she said I think I have just person for you. That's when I was introduced to Walter. I can't tell you how humbled I was when being around Walter he made so happy when I would go and visit with him, he was a genuine person h was true gentleman and great friend we talk about politics and fishing and we would always joke around about the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, and of course the Patriots my most sincere condolences to Walter's family and friends and anybody who had a good talk or a good joke. Like I said in Walter's card to his family heaven is a good place, because it has people like Walter there as before my most sincere condolences for the family and friends of Walter Taylor.
Sincerely Cory Bernthon

Diane Roe Haarmann

January 21, 2018

Dear Sue, Bobby, and Joann,

Growing up as your neighbor and a member of the churchwhich we walked to, even on my wedding dayI have nothing but wonderful memories of your father and mother. Joyce and Tom called him Wally but he was Rev. Taylor to me.
I loved all the events of his ministry: the annual bazaar, MYF, church suppers, and the Christmas Eve service. I have remained a devoted Methodist because of his example.
I remember waiting for the school bus in your front room; your dog Lady (I think); sleepovers, and so many events in the church being focal points of our childhoods. When Rev. Taylor married us we also had the Saint Matthew's priest in a true ecumenical service. It was wonderful.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. I hope you can find comfort in the knowledge that your parents willingly served so many people well over the years. They were loved and respected by their church family and the larger community. They made a difference in a profound way and will live in the memories of so many.

Marlene Newkirk

January 11, 2018

To the Taylor family...I am so sorry for your loss
Mr Taylor was a kind and patient man. He had to be to accept all of us "girls" into his home for sleepovers in sleeping bags in the dining room and cooking extravaganzas many days after school. Accepting me to participate in many Methodist Church activities. Rest in peace Mr Taylor.. you were a wonderful man.

Terry Ulion

January 11, 2018

Sue, Bob and Jo Ann,
Please accept my condolences regarding the passing of your dad. Many things and people change over the years, but he was always a thoughtful and caring person. He was always gracious and welcoming to everyone. He certainly is "old Voorheesville" and he will be missed.

Sharon Flansburg-Miller

January 10, 2018

Rev. Taylor was my pastor growing up in Voorheesville. I remember him fondly. My thoughts & prayers to the family.

Doris Waggoner Jamison

January 9, 2018

Dear Susan, Bob, Joann and family,
My condolences on your father's passing. He was a very good man, actually living the Word that he guided the Voorheesville community with for so many years, not just preaching it. You are in all our thoughts and prayers.

Spunk Burke

January 9, 2018

I rather doubt that Reverend Taylor was aware of the impact he had on this young man (at the time) when he came to our home in Voorheesville in '62 to console my parents on the tragic loss of my brother. I shall never forget his loving compassion, his warm sincerity, and his faithful prayers for healing. I have obviously lost touch with Reverend Taylor, but review of his obituary makes it clear that my encounter was hardly unique - I'm quite sure everyone he touched has a similar awed regard. Taylor lived an entire life in service to others and truly epitomized the spiritual values I struggle to achieve as I "trudge the road to happy destiny." Thank you for the role model, Reverend. May you forever Rest In Peace.

Kristine Gunther

January 9, 2018

Susan, We often teased you about having to grow up as the minister's daughter. What a wonderful man and minister he was! I'm so sorry for your loss.
Your classmate, Kristine Gunther

Robin Goetz Shufelt

January 9, 2018

So very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I will always have fond memories of him as Minister to the Voorheesville Methodist church, growing up and as an adult. You are in my thoughts and Prayers.

Rev. Dr. Alan Rhodes

January 8, 2018

Walt was dedicated Pastor, servant of the poor and social conscience of our Conference for many years. His Ministry in Voorheesville restored a dying church, reinvigorating its ministry; and his years as director of the Albany U.M. Society strengthened a vital ministry to the poor and downtrodden, which helped folk in the Arbor Hill Community of Albany for many years. We will miss his witness to Christ among us. The Boston Red Socks have lost a proud "cheerleader" and the Democratic Party a fearless advocate.

Farrand Russell

January 8, 2018

Dear Bob, Susan and Joann, so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I always enjoyed his cheerful attitude whenever he spoke, and whenever he caught Bob and I being mischievous, which was often. He was always there for my Mom and Dad and they thought the world of him. A great father, man, friend and pastor is gone, but his efforts live on in every life he touched. I really mean it when I say, he was one of a kind. Rest in Peace Wally

David and Sharon Youmans

January 7, 2018

Susan, Bob, Jo Ann and families, our sincere condolences. Your father was such a meaningful part of our lives, marrying us in 1969, baptizing both of our children, and performing the marriage of our daughter, Karen.

Sarah Hogan

January 7, 2018

Dear Joann and Sarah:

I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your father & grandfather. My dad let me know. I fondly remember times spent up at Cape Cod with him and Lucille as some of the best of my childhood. Your father & grandfather really had an incredible life and impact, and it's so sweet and cute to hear the story about how he and Lucille met. Sending my condolences and love to you and family -- what an inspiring life. Love, Sarah Hogan

Bonnie & Lynn (Fisher) Wacksman

January 7, 2018

To the family, I'm deeply saddened of the loss of Mr. Taylor. He married us back in 1970. The nicest man anyone would want to meet. Please know that our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone at this sad time. Rest in Peace!!!

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Make a Donation
in Walter Taylor's name

Memorial Events
for Walter Taylor

Feb

10

Memorial service

10:00 a.m.

Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church

175 Fifth Avenue, at the corner of Henning Road, Saratoga Springs, NY

Funeral services provided by:

William J. Burke & Sons / Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes

628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

How to support Walter'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
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Resources 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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
Ways to honor Walter Taylor's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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