The Very Reverend Charles G. Taylor âFather Chuckâ 64 yrs. old of New Berlin, NY, rector
of St. Andrewâs Episcopal Church, New Berlin and St. Matthewâs Episcopal Church, South New Berlin and Priest of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Norwich, NY, passed away as a result of a tragic accident on April 16, 2016 at his cottage on Chenango Lake, NY.
Fr. Chuck was born on October 12, 1951 at Minerâs Hospital in Spangler, PA , son of the late H. and D. Lois Taylor (Urbain). He grew up in Barnesboro, PA where his family owned and operated Taylorâs Bakery. Among his early memories were delivering bread with his grandfather. While growing up he attended Sunday School and served as an Acolyte at St. Thomasâ Episcopal Church, which was founded by the Taylor family. By the age of seven, Fr. Chuck knew that he wanted to be a priest. He graduated from Northern Cambria High School in 1969 where he played football, baseball and ran track. He also served as a member of the
Hope Fire Company in Barnesboro.
On January 1, 1972, Fr. Chuck and his wife Donna (Abrams) were married at St. Thomasâ Episcopal Church and started their life together in Pittsburgh, with Bishop Appleyardâs blessing. He attended the University of Pittsburgh and pursued degrees in Psychology and Sociology, while Donna attended Bradford Business School in Pittsburgh. While in Pittsburgh, the young couple were active at the Church of Ascension in Oakland. As a Postulant preparing for
seminary, Fr. Chuck was privileged to train under the direction of Dr. William Bradbury and Fr. Dougherty. He was given the unique opportunity to give sermons which were broadcasted on live radio.
After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, he worked for a year on the railroad (to save money for seminary) while also doing a one-year internship at St. Markâs Episcopal Church in Johnstown, PA, under the direction of The Reverend Park Allis. He entered Bexley Hall Seminary in Rochester, New York in the Fall of 1974, graduating with his Master of Divinity degree on May 5, 1979. One of the highlights of their stay in Rochester began in 1977 when Fr. Chuck was accepted as
a âseminarian in trainingâ at the Church of Ascension under the direction of The Reverend Albert Mahan.
While serving the Church of Ascension, Fr. Chuck and Donnaâs first son, Scott Charles Taylor, was born on October 18, 1978. It was an honor and privilege for Fr. Chuck to assist Fr.Mahan in baptizing their son Scott. Fr. Chuck was ordained as a Deacon in the Diocese of Pittsburgh on June 9, 1979, and ordained as Priest on December 8, 1979. In the Fall of 1979, Bishop Appleyard asked him to return to the Diocese of Pittsburgh to serve St. Thomasâ Episcopal Church in Barnesboro, PA
(his hometown church), and St. Lukeâs Lutheran-Episcopal Church in Patton, PA. While serving in PA, Brett Aaron Taylor was born on August 17, 1982, and was baptized at St. Thomasâ Church by Bishop Appleyard.
On Palm Sunday, March 24, 1985, Fr. Chuck and his family accepted a position at St. Andrewâs and St. Matthewâs churches in New Berlin and South New Berlin, NY. He celebrated his 25th year serving the parishes in 2010. In honor of his 25 years, a gift of a cruise to Alaska
was given. Seven years ago Fr. Chuck became active in the pursuit of regional ministry. Emmanuel Church in Norwich was added to the churches he served. Many church activities are now a combination of all three churches. Fr. Chuck divided his time between New Berlin, South New Berlin and Norwich.
During his ministry Fr. Chuck faithfully served not only the three churches but also thecommunities and surrounding areas. He was proud to call his service to the community a âstreet ministry.â Fr. Chuck has performed innumerable marriages, funerals and baptisms for both parishioners, their families and others. His ministry to the elderly and local nursing homeswas very important to him; he loved them and they loved him in return. Fr. Chuck had a special passion for feeding the hungry and bringing the communities together. He ran the Unadilla Food Pantry housed at St. Andrewâs in New Berlin and started the free meal sponsored by area churches known as Chit, Chat & Chew. Fr. Chuck was instrumental in starting the Emmanuel Soul Kitchen which provides a free meal once a month at Emmanuel Church in Norwich. He spoke fondly of the people who attended.
Throughout his tenure, he served on numerous committees of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York. Since 2010 he has served as the Diocesan Dean of the Chenango District. In addition to his church activities, Fr. Chuck servedas chaplain of the New Berlin Fire Department and chaplain of the football prep school Milford Academy. In the summer months he loved umpiring baseball games at Doubleday field in Cooperstown, NY. Fr. Chuck loved what he did and the people he served.
Fr. Chuck was a beloved husband, father and granddad. His family was his pride and joy and he counted his blessings every day. He and his wife Donna of 44 years loved music, dancing, taking long walks with his beloved dog Coal, and spending time at their cottage at Chenango
Lake. Fr. Chuck had a passion for hunting, fishing and the shooting sports. He cherished the time he spent afield with his sons Scott and Brett, teaching them the tools of the trade and taking in the beauty of the outdoors. He loved his bird hunts with Coal dog and his yearly
pilgrimage to western PA to deer hunt with his cousin Larry and family.
Fr. Chuckâs seven year old granddaughter Lyla June Taylor was the apple of his eye. At a very young age she would visit shut-ins and local nursing home residents with her devoted granddad. Charles G. Taylor was predeceased by his parents, Charles H. & D. Lois Taylor, infant brother, Wayne, & nephew Nicholas Paronish. He is survived by his wife Donna Taylor (Abrams), son Scott and partner Benjamin Orcutt, son Brett and fiancée Jeanette Ray, and granddaughter, Lyla
June Taylor, all of New Berlin, NY. Also survived by sister Wanda Doran and husband Bernie ofVicksburg, Mississippi as well as her three sons, Adam, Jason & Gary Paronish. A Celebration and Thanksgiving for the Life and Service of The Very Reverend Charles G. Taylor was held at St. Andrewâs Episcopal Church in New Berlin, NY on April 22, 2016. The Right Reverend Gladstone B. âSkipâ Adams, III, was Celebrant.
A private interment of ashes willbe held at St. Andrewâs Cemetery at a later date. The arrangements were made by the Dakin Funeral Home LP of New Berlin, NY.
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