Robert Thomas Taylor, true gentleman, scholar, and Renaissance man, passed away on November 25, 2023 at St. Mary Medical Center, Langhorne, PA with his sweetheart Leslie by his side. He was 76 years old. Bob was born in Philadelphia, PA on October 31, 1947 to Cecil R. and Ruth Taylor (nee McNamee) and grew up in the Academy Gardens section of Northeast Philadelphia. Bob graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School, Class of 1965, and was a star track athlete, running in the Penn Relays. Bob attended Temple University graduating in 1970 with a Bachelor's Degree, majoring in Psychology and participating in ROTC. Bob served in the US Army from 1971-1973 and was very proud of his Army achievements, especially of his leadership abilities as Company Commander at a young age. Bob earned a Master's Degree in Education majoring in Rehabilitation Counseling and Special Services in 1978 from Seton Hall University. His earnest work ethic, superior intelligence, level-headed managerial skills and sense of responsibility allowed for a highly successful career in the health care field for 35 years. Bob worked first as a counselor and then Director at Jersey Cape Diagnostic Center (Cape May Court House NJ), as Director of Professional Services at Atlantic County Opportunity Center (Egg Harbor City, NJ), as Director of Rehabilitation Services at Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital (Marlboro, NJ) and last, as Director of Rehabilitation Services at Ann Klein Forensic Center (Trenton, NJ). Bob cared deeply for his many patients and staff members over the years. Bob's ability to help others by listening was unmatched and he always offered a friendly smile and helping hand to others. He was a hard-working leader and had a can-do attitude towards life and was pleasant and congenial. He is predeceased by his parents, Cecil Robert and Ruth Taylor. He leaves to carry on his legacy and spirit: Sweetheart Leslie Ann Fleming and her son, Matthew Fleming; his beloved rescue dog, Olive; his stepsiblings from the Gallagher family; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; Leslie's extended family; and many friends from near and far.
Robert Thomas Taylor, a man of many talents and interests, was a Renaissance man, soulmate, hiker, nature lover, dog whisperer, philosopher, gardener, Tai Chi enthusiast, handyman, art lover, bird watcher, book collector and lover of God. We will find comfort in enjoying many of his favorite things: Spending time in Cape May, NJ, hiking in Tyler State Park, playing with his dog Olive, eating chocolate chip mint ice cream, watching classic TV shows, and listening to Oldies from the 60s and 70s.
Please join us in celebrating his life and legacy: Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Bob's viewing on Monday evening, December 4, 2023 from 7 PM to 9 PM, and Tuesday morning, December 5, 2023 from 11:00 AM followed by his funeral service at 12 noon at Kirk and Nice Suburban Chapel, 333 W. County Line Rd, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.
Donations in Bob's memory may be made to St. James Episcopal Church, 330 S. Bellevue Ave, Langhorne, PA 19047 or to Women's Animal Center 3839 Richlieu Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020.
Bob displayed such courage, grace, and dignity while enduring many health challenges over the last several years. We would like to thank our friend Dottie Palmer for her wonderful care and love over the last two years as well as the staff of Pickering Manor, Newtown PA for their compassionate and expert care of Bob over the last year.