John Herbert Taylor

John Herbert Taylor of Atglen, Pa, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010 at the Neighborhood Hospice, West Chester, Pa. after four years of illness from Renal Failure.  He was the son of Gertrude Talbot Taylor and J. Herbert Taylor of Chester PA.  

He is survived by his wife, Velma Thornton Taylor and four daughters: Claudia Simeone (Joseph) of Wilmington, Del., Janice Taylor Kavanaugh of Wilmington, Del., Melaine J. Taylor of Lancaster, Pa. and Tracey Taylor Horanoff (Jerry) of Downingtown, Pa.; grandchildren, Gregory Simeone (Elizabeth) of West Grove, Pa., Matthew Simeone of Wilmington and Rebecca R. Simeone of Del., Dr. Erin Kavanaugh of Wilm., Priscilla Kavanaugh of New York City and Andrew Taylor Kavanaugh of Virginia Tech University, now studying in China; two great grandchildren, Andrew and Samantha, ages three and three months.

John was born and educated in Delaware County Parochial School and for two years attended West Catholic High School in Phila. until St. James Catholic High School in 1941.  He graduated in June of 1943 and went immediately into the Army.  After basic training he was selected for Special Service Training.  World War II escalated and he was sent to Europe to serve the 99th Division ("Battle Baby's") in the Battle of the Bulge.  His division was on line in St. Vith in the coldest winter Europe had faced in 50 years.  He was in battle for 1944 and 1945 to hold the Remagen Bridge.  He was exposed to the elements as all were and was stricken with Hepatitis (Yellow Jaundice) and had to be flown to England and was ill for one month before being sent back to the US where he was stationed at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. and then discharged in February 1946.

Upon discharge he enrolled at the Pennsylvania Military College which had accepted Veterans.  He was graduated with a Degree in Business Management and Accounting.  Mr. Taylor was employed by Atlas Powder Co. in Wilm., Del. for 20 years.  It later became ICI America.  He also was Deputy Controller for Delaware County for 8 years.  He then became Sr. Controller for Borden, Inc. in Chadds Ford and Norristown.

In 1985 he joined Borden in Columbus, Ohio and remained there until 1995 when he and his wife returned to PA.  He also was accountant for Taylor's Bridal Shop in West Chester, the family owned business.  

When they relocated to Atglen, Pa., he was elected Tax Collector until he became ill.  

Family and friends are invited to attend the viewing held on Friday evening, September 10 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main St., Parkesburg.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 11 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Malachy Chapel, 76 Malachy Road, Cochranville, PA 19330, followed by interment in the Lawn Croft Cemetery of Linwood, PA.  

Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com