Richard C Taylert

Taylert, Richard C.

King Ferry: Richard C. Taylert, 86, of King Ferry, NY, passed away on January 18, 2012 at Cayuga Medical Center. Dick was born and raised in Ithaca, the son of Carl and Lillian Taylert, who predeceased him. He was also predeceased by Jackie Chapman Taylert, his loving wife of 57 years; and his brother, Jeff Taylert. Dick is survived by his son, Donald and wife Sally and their daughters Maggie and Rasmita; and his son, Paul and wife Beth and children Kurt, Anita, and Kristy, and their grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Taylert and Shirley Chapman; and many nieces and nephews. Dick grew up in Ithaca's West End and Southside. Shortly after graduating from Ithaca High School he joined the Navy. He was an aviation mechanic and flew missions during WWII in the Aleutians Campaign. He never grew tired of telling about his many adventures tucked up in the belly of a fighter plane. Dick worked at Cornell in Buildings and Properties as the foreman at the Sheet Metal Shop until his retirement. He and Jackie moved to Vero Beach for the winters until her passing in 2003, at which point he returned and lived in Ithaca and Cortland. His summers were always spent at his beloved "cottage" in King Ferry, which he and Jackie purchased in 1966. Dick's abundant skills enabled him to turn the cottage from a little shack to a beautiful summer home. He was at his element at the lake. He loved nothing better than having friends and family come to visit, and never tired of the countless water skiing runs! Cooking chicken on the grill, regaling the crowd with one of his many stories, playing his records from the 40's and 50's, and just enjoying the beauty of Cayuga Lake were among Dick's greatest pleasures. In his later years he couldn't wait to get down to the cottage in the spring to fix it up and plant his many flowers. He took great pride in what he had created over the years. His close neighbors on Powers Road were so very important to him and kept a close eye on him - thank you Steve and Dorothy, Dave and Mo, Huff, and "the kids", Becky and Lee. He loved you all dearly. In keeping with Dick's wishes, there will be no calling hours. The family will hold a celebration of Dick's life at the cottage this summer. Those wishing to honor Dick's memory with a donation may do so to Boys Town (www.boystown.org) or to Cayuga Lake Watershed Network (www.cayugalake.org). Bangs Funeral Home is assisting the family