Lawrence Bennett Taylor, 74, of Mystic died Thursday, August 4, after a courageous battle with cancer. His family was by his side. He was born at Windham Hospital on October 14, 1947 to Philip E. and Margaret Taylor, nee Bronson. Larry grew up in Storrs, CT where his father was a Professor of Economics at the University of Connecticut. He attended Mansfield public schools and went on to receive his degree from UCONN.
During the fifties and sixties, his father served as fiscal consultant to the governments of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Lebanon. This was under the auspices of the Federal Government and the Fort Foundation. When Larry was a teenager, he and his family had the opportunity to live in Beirut, Lebanon on two separate occasions. Larry was always very grateful to have had the experience and spoke of it often. One fond memory he liked to share was of being able to swim in the Mediterranean Sea in the afternoon and ski at one of the resorts at night.
Larry was a career State of Connecticut employee, as an IT manager. He was proud of his many accomplishments, in particular, working with the then governor Ella T.Grasso administration, as he admired her greatly.
Larry was predeceased by his parents and brother, Philip B. Taylor. He leaves behind his two sons, Ian Lawrence Taylor, CA and Daniel Leslie Taylor, CT, his daughter Riley Anne Howe, and his former wife, Dawn M. Howe, both of Mystic CT. He also leaves cousins Mary Bronson, VT, Howard Bronson (Cathy) CT, Sarah Bronson (Galen La Gassey)ME, Bruce Crocket (Diane) WA, Gail Crocket Dick (Tim) CA, Alan Crocket (Alice) ID, David Brooks, CT, Dorothy Brooks Newberth (Rick) CT, and Nancy Brooks Jackman NY.
Larry will be greatly missed by his longtime friends and sailing buddies, Tom Desena, Bill Lucas, Ed Gubbins and Ed Calder. With each of them he shared many adventures and misadventures. From too much Pussers and missed launches on Block Island, to sailing along the East Coast and through the Chesapeake. Multiple times making it to the Florida Keys. On one occasion staying two weeks in the trailer park across from Schooner's Warf, on another, living for three months aboard a Beneteau.
He will also be missed by many friends in Mystic, particularly those at the Mariner, and the “Southies” of Eastern Point, with whom he shared much time and many laughs.
The last two months of his life were spent with Dawn and Riley. They cared for him during what we thought was his recovery from the last cancer treatment. The three of them were able to share life and love, and all the little things that entails. Meals, laughter, and PBS, to name a few.
He was able to attend his daughter’s 8th grade promotion, see fireworks at a post 4th of July celebration with friends, and even get in one last trip to Modern Pizza.
Larry will be remembered for his generosity, kindness and funloving nature. He will be remembered for his love of family, especially his daughter Riley who was the light of his life. He was a good man and he fought a good fight.
His family would like to thank his doctors and nurses at Smilow Cancer Center. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, August 20, from 4 to 7pm at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. A Celebration of Life will be planned for the future.
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