Obituary of Robert P Taylor

Robert Paul Taylor, 74, Of Burlington passed away unexpectedly on Sunday June 15, A man of boundless passions and quiet charisma.

Robert was born in Malden on December 26, 1950. He was the son of the late Robert J. and Phyliss E. (Carroll) Taylor. He was educated in the Stoneham school system and graduated from Stoneham High School with the class of 1968.

He was employed for many years as a computer technician until his retirement. He kept busy working during his retirement, working part time at many different places to help fill time and fund his many passions. 

Robert found joy in the little things, the perfect song on a jukebox, the tug of a fish on the line and the smell of fresh bread rising in the oven. A longtime regular at Goodnight Jonny’s, he could often be found perched at his favorite spot, a drink in hand, soaking in the live music and good company. For Robert, music was more than just background noise, it was the heartbeat of many of his best memories, a source of connection and comfort.

He lived a life filled with adventure. In his younger years, Robert took to the skies, skydiving with the same fearless spirit that defined much of his life. His love of nature and solitude later led him to fly fishing, a hobby he embraced fully, meticulously tying his own flies and trying them out on local freshwater.  While not casting his flies, he could be found deep sea fishing, trying to catch a good-sized keeper. In the backyard, Robert became a master of smoke and fire. Barbecuing wasn’t just a weekend activity; it was a craft. From smoking meats low and slow to trying out new rubs, sauces, and recipes, his culinary curiosity knew no bounds. When he wasn’t manning the smoker, he was in the kitchen baking bread, a hobby that brought comfort to both him and those lucky enough to taste the results.

Robert also had a sharp mind and a love for knowledge that made him a formidable Jeopardy fan. Watching the show was a daily ritual, and it was rare for him to miss a question, often answering before the contestants even buzzed in. His near encyclopedic recall of facts and trivia amazed those around him.

He loved animals, especially cats. In the 1980’s his wife Nancy bred Siamese cats and Robert assisted with the cats anyway that he could. He loved to rescue and owned many cats throughout his life. They had a special place in his heart and loved each feline friend that graced his life.

With every hobby and every conversation, Robert’s genuine curiosity and warm demeanor shone through. He could talk to anyone, whether about rock and roll, brisket or braided fishing line, and in doing so, made friends wherever he went, he had a gift for turning strangers into friends and friends into family.

But of all the chapters in Robert’s life, the greatest began at a party at the Stoneham Elks, where he met Nancy, the love of his life. It was fitting the two would meet surrounded by laughter and music, as their love story would go on to span nearly 50 beautiful years. Their marriage was built on deep respect, shared adventures, and quiet moments of joy that defined their life together.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Nancy (Smith) Taylor, his beloved children, Elizabeth “Betsy” Dembrowski and her husband Thomas of Hudson, Nh., and Robert Taylor Jr. and his wife Diana of Murrieta, Ca., a brother Richard L. Taylor and his wife Karen of Florida,  six grandchildren, Roman, Joseph, Alexander and Krystal Taylor and TJ and Averie Dembrowski as well as his beloved cats, Mookie and  Kushy and many nieces nephews and countless friends.

At his request, all funeral services will be private and at the convenience of his family. Arrangements are by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St. Burlington MA. To leave a condolence to his family, please visit www.sullivanfuneralhome.net