William Taylor

William (Bill) Taylor, born on October 5, 1938, Auburn, NY, to the late Margaret (Maney) and William Taylor, passed away peacefully at Fingerlakes Center for the Living on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the age of 86.

Bill moved to Oswego, NY at the age of 3 where he was raised. In his youth, Bill graduated from Oswego High School, was anEagle Scout (adult Scout leader later on) and attended SUNY Oswego College. Bill served proudly as a Chaplin’s Assistant in the United States Army until October 1967. After his service in the Army, he began his profession in the grocery industry, working at ACME, Super Duper, and completed his career at Tops Friendly Market. In retirement Bill was a school bus driver for several school districts in the area. He was a volunteer fireman for the Owasco and Fleming Fire Departments. Bill also volunteered for SAVES as an EMT. 

You could always find Bill puttering in the yard or helping neighbors with anything they needed. He was a gracious neighbor to everyone who lived near him. He enjoyed camping with his friends at Riverforest Campground in Weedsport for many years. Bill was someone you could rely on for any kind of help, whether it was yardwork, snow-blowing, advice, or any task that needed to be done. He had the biggest heart and gave his time and energy to all. Bill was an avid animal lover his cats were his pride and joy.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Kathleen (Tanchak) Taylor; daughter Pamela Semple; grandson Matthew (Katie) McConnell; sister Dorothy (Robert) Hogg, Charlotte, NC; brother-in-law James Dauler, Syracuse, NY; very special friends Peter House and Michael Hannen; and several nieces and nephews. Bill is predeceased by his parents; son Michael Semple; sister and brother-in-law Judith (William) Crego; sister Donna Dauler; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Michael and Linda Tanchak; and special friend Bill Kelley.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours at PettigrassFuneral Home, 196 Genesee St., Auburn, NY, Friday, February 28, 2025, from 4pm to 7pm. A funeral service will be held at Pettigrass Funeral Home, Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 10am.

The family would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers during Bill’s recent illness. We are especially grateful for the compassionate care given to our husband and father at Fingerlakes Center for the Living for the past four months.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Matthew House or E. John Gavras Center in Auburn, NY.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Taylor, please visit our floral store.