Donald Taylor
Ledyard — Donald Owen “Don” Taylor, 89, passed away peacefully Monday, March 8, 2021, with his beloved wife Shirley and son Jeffrey close by.
Donald was born Oct. 3, 1931, in New London, to Edward and Clara Winkler Taylor. As a child during the Great Depression, Donald learned to value hard work and family ties. From a young age, he hunted for and took on odd jobs to help support his family.
Sports were the joy of Don’s life. Many remember him for his prowess on the hockey rink. However, he was an equally talented varsity pitcher at Robert E. Fitch Senior High School. After graduating in 1949, he traveled throughout the continental American States, playing baseball for the U.S. Air Force. He later spent some of the happiest years of his life serving as a radio operator in the Azores, during the Korean War.
Prior to serving overseas, Don married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Pasko, March 25, 1951, and became a devoted husband and father. Donald took a job at Pfizer and stayed with the company until retiring as a scientist in 1992. He also served as a lifetime member, treasurer and president of the Groton Sportsman’s Club.
Always humble, Donald downplayed his accomplishments and preferred to focus on celebrating other people. Those who had the pleasure of knowing Don will always remember him as a warm and deeply sensitive man. He knew how to listen to people in a way that made them feel important and special. Moreover, he was highly attuned to the emotions of others, and always had a hug ready for those who needed one.
Don loved bird watching and trees and nursed a secret love for one of his mother’s favorite bushes, the azalea. He was an avid UConn women’s basketball fan, and enjoyed listening to his favorite song, the Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained Melody,” on cassette tape in his truck.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents; by his brothers, Richard Taylor and Bill Taylor; and by his sister, Marsha Taylor Vorra. He is survived by his wife Shirley P. Taylor of Ledyard; brothers, Lionel Taylor of Groton and George Taylor of Preston; children, Brian Taylor (Johnna) of Stonington, Jeffrey Taylor of Ledyard, Donna Kometas (Athas) of Wilbur by the Sea, Fla., and Susan Singleton (David) of Noank; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a myriad of nieces and nephews; and other close friends and relatives.
A graveside ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 22, at Elm Grove Cemetery, Route 27, Mystic. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Ledyard Regional VNA. Although there will be no visiting hours, please feel welcome to sign the guest book or share a memory with the family at www.byles.com.