William J. “Bill” Taylor, 61, of Franklin, died Thursday, August 22, 2013, at his home surrounded by his family after a battle with esophageal cancer. He was the beloved husband of Laurie (Himes) Taylor for 35 years.
Born in Boston on August 26, 1951, Bill was the son of Elizabeth “Betty” Taylor and the late William L. Taylor. He grew up in Dedham and graduated from Xaverian Brothers High School, the College of the Holy Cross, and Boston State College.
He was the President & CEO of Advocates Inc. for over 30 years and previously worked at Westwood Lodge. He was a board member of the Provider’s Council, the Association for Behavioral Health, and the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers. He was a champion for human services and worked tirelessly to advocate on behalf of people with disabilities as well as their caregivers. His legacy will live forever through the compassionate work done by the employees of Advocates.
Bill had two loves in his life: his family and his life’s work in the human service community. He was both intelligent and wise, a teacher and a student, a lover and a fighter, and a constant inspiration to those around him. He was genuine, he was kind, and he had a heart of gold. His life’s mission was to help others, whether they were strangers or friends. He was a firm believer in the value of every single life. As he requested of a dear friend shortly before he died, “please don’t leave anyone out.”
In addition to his wife and mother, Bill is survived by his children: his son Justin Taylor and his wife Katia, daughter Alisha Dynan and her husband Dan, and his daughter Melanie. He also leaves behind three grandchildren: Isabel Taylor, Ryan Taylor, and Madelyn Dynan.
Friends, family, and colleagues may attend calling hours on Sunday, August 25 at the Ginley Funeral Home at 131 Main Street in Franklin, MA from 2:00p.m. to 6:00p.m.
There will be a funeral service for Bill at the First Universalist Society in Franklin at 262 Chestnut Street on Tuesday, August 27 at 11:00a.m.
Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bill Taylor Fund For Staff Enrichment at Advocates Inc. at One Clarks Hill, Suite 305 in Framingham, MA 01702 or online at www.advocatesinc.org.