Eric N. “Rick” Taylor, 63, of Canonsburg, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 28, 2023. He was born May 20, 1959, in Charleroi, son of the late William R. “Honeytop” and Loral J. Taylor. He was a graduate of Charleroi High School. Rick was a retired heavy equipment operator and tugboat pilot and a scheduler for West Penn Power and First Energy. He worked with the electric company for 43 years before retirement. Rick is survived by his loving family members, Lydia J. Taylor; son, Eric N. Taylor II; and daughter-in-law, Samapti Taylor; daughter, Brittany L. Taylor; grandchildren, Elijah J. Taylor, Isaiah I. Taylor and Peyton T. Bunting; loving sisters, Trudy L. Taylor of Charleroi, W. Gale Shorter of San Jose, Calif., Lori (Anthony) King of Charleroi, Sheri (Gary) Anderson of Donora and Tracy (Rick) Middleton of Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Rick was a loving husband, father, grandfather, coach, grill master and friend to everyone. He loved coaching his children and the Canonsburg community in a bevy of athletics. Rick also enjoyed grilling for Pristine Fields neighborhood yard sales, as well as church and family gatherings. Rick was blessed with the gift of empathy and would give the shirt off his back for anyone in need. He was loved by many and embodied the ability to push all athletes to their fullest potential. He will truly be missed as he touched the hearts of everyone he encountered in life. “Rick” as he was so affectionately called was our family’s middle child and the only boy in our family. His smile was contagious, and his personality was endearing. Our parents always had us in church and instilled in us Godly values. He had a saying, “ONLY GOD” and quoted it often. Our brother, father, uncle and friend will truly be missed. A very special thank you to the staff at Arden Courts Memory Unit in Jefferson Hills, and Commonwealth Hospice, Pittsburgh, for their loving care and support during his final days. A memorial service for Eric “Rick” Taylor will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the time of the service, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, 20 Brushton Lane, Charleroi, PA 15022. Interment will be at Belle Vernon Cemetery, 176 Tranquility Lane, Belle Vernon, PA 15012. Arrangements entrusted to WILLIAM R. TAYLOR FUNERAL HOME, 645 McMahon Ave., Monessen, PA 15062. Trudy L. Taylor, director in charge, 724-684-4877.
