Joseph Finbar Taylor passed away on Friday, November 26, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born in Blackpool, County Cork, Ireland on September 26, 1951, to Catherine (Kitty) and Patrick Taylor. He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen Taylor, and his devoted family: William Quinn (Stephanie) of Boston, Robert Quinn (Allison) of Mystic, his sisters Ann Twomey of Cork, Ireland, Sr. Kathleen Taylor of Dublin, sister-in-law Marie Taylor of Enniscorthy, sister-in-law Karol McCain of Stonington, brother-in-law Robert McCain (Alison) of Guilford, and treasured nieces Fiona Taylor Kelly and Treasa Taylor. He is predeceased by his parents, and brothers Pat Taylor and Tony Taylor.
Joe received graduate and undergraduate degrees with highest honors from University College Cork, and his PhD from University College Dublin. He was a Senior Director at Pfizer in Groton for 37 years. After retirement from Pfizer, he was Vice President of Quality Manufacturing for Intra-Cellular Therapies New York where he was proud to be part of the team to bring the neurologic drug Caplyta to market. Joe was also President of Acctuate Consulting. He was a voracious learner and reader who also loved being on the water. “Captain Joe” loved boating and kayaking with his wife Karen. He was also a devoted fan of Munster rugby, an avid golfer, and a proud Gaeilgeoir (Gaelic speaker). Joe was the author of Kayak the Mystic Waters and Away Again.
Most of all, Joe cherished time with his family – the larger the gatherings, the better. St. Patrick Day parties were legendary, between sing-songs, too many “long story shorts” that weren’t, and a drop of whiskey for all. He and Karen travelled frequently to Ireland for family visits and to see childhood friends. His grandson Declan was the joy of his life, and being “Grandad” his most endearing title. One of his great comforts was his dog Murphy. Joe was a volunteer with Literacy Volunteers and programs at Enders Island, and a member of the Tuesday Night Paddlers and the Westerly Writers’ Group. Joe’s warm personality and sense of humor meant that those who met him immediately found him to be a friend. His loss will be felt throughout Ireland and the U.S. As his childhood friend Denis Buckley put it best, “Rest easy my good friend, and may the soil of your adopted country lay gently on you. We won't see your likes again.”
A wake will be held at Dinoto Funeral Home in Mystic, CT, on Friday, December 3 from 5-8pm ET. A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick Church in Mystic, CT, on Saturday, December 4 at 12pm ET. For livestream viewing of the Funeral Mass, please visit https://youtu.be/BnXvdWTdpZA.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joe may be made to St. Edmund’s Retreat, Enders Island at PO Box 399, Mystic, CT 06355 or online at https://www.endersisland.org/memorial-and-honor-gifts.
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