The Very Reverend Charles G. Taylor “Father Chuck,” 64 yrs. old of New Berlin, NY, rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, New Berlin and St. Matthew’s 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 Miner’s Hospital in Spangler, PA , son of the late Charles H. and D. Lois Taylor (Urbain). He grew up in Barnesboro, PA where his family owned and operated Taylor’s 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. Thomas’ 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. Thomas’ Episcopal Church and started their life together in Pittsburgh, with Bishop Appleyard’s 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. Mark’s 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 “seminarian in training” at the Church of Ascension under the direction of The Reverend Albert Mahan. While serving the Church of Ascension, Fr. Chuck and Donna’s 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. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Barnesboro, PA (his hometown church), and St. Luke’s Lutheran-Episcopal Church in Patton, PA. While serving in PA, Brett Aaron Taylor was born on August 17, 1982, and was baptized at St. Thomas’ Church by Bishop Appleyard.
On Palm Sunday, March 24, 1985, Fr. Chuck and his family accepted a position at St. Andrew’s and St. Matthew’s 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 the communities and surrounding areas. He was proud to call his service to the community a “street ministry.” Fr. Chuck has performed innumerable marriages, funerals and baptisms for both parishioners, their families and others. His ministry to the elderly and local nursing homes was 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. Andrew’s 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 served as 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. Chuck’s 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 of Vicksburg, 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. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in New Berlin, NY on April 22, 2016. The Right Reverend Gladstone B. “Skip” Adams, III, was Celebrant. A private interment of ashes will be held at St. Andrew’s Cemetery at a later date.
The arrangements were made by the Dakin Funeral Home LP of New Berlin, NY.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.dakinfuneralhome.com.