With faith and extraordinary courage, Harry Ellsworth Taylor departed this earthly life at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, following a period of declining health. He faced his final days surrounded by the love of those dearest to him, and has now found peace among family and friends who welcomed him home into eternal rest.
Harry grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut, where he and Lynda met when she was 18 and he was 22 years old. They married the following year, and built their lives together, first shaped by educational goals and then corporate life, while later establishing and prioritizing family.
Memories that now mark physical relocations recall that each was eagerly anticipated, embraced and enjoyed as adventures in meeting people and experiencing new communities.
Their married life began in Farmington, Connecticut before moving to the Elmira, NY area, followed by Boston, Wallingford and Madison, Connecticut, and then Wyomissing, Pennsylvania.
Harry then returned to the Boston area where he raised his family in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts after settling there in 1986.
His dedication to family will always be remembered by his being a devoted husband and a loving father to children, Allison, Trevor, and Jason, and cherished grandfather to grandchildren, Stafford, Carolina, Brooks, and Conrad.
Harry had a pleasant demeanor, and held a positive outlook on life. He was both a teacher and student, always eager to learn and share his knowledge.
He was exceptionally patient with others, and would tirelessly persevere in pursuit of accomplishing his goals. He was always a reliably focused problem-solver with a vision toward successful outcomes.
Harry earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he formed lifelong friendships and memories as a proud member of the brotherhood of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
He continued his education by earning a Master of Science degree in Feedback Controls from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School, where he concentrated in Marketing and Finance.
His many interests were inspired by his intellectual curiosity, mechanical know-how, artistic creativity, and his refined tastes. All of these enriched every aspect of his personal and professional life. He had a dry wit, and an affinity for Ireland. He proudly held dual American / Irish citizenship by way of his ancestry.
In his youth, he enjoyed competitive wrestling, swimming, and tennis, as well as recreational skiing.
The spaces he shaped through his architectural renderings stand as a testament to his artistic talent, with each design carrying the mark of his hand and heart.
Finance and investing were lifelong passions that were first learned from his father. He was also known for his love of following FORMULA 1 racing, and sought opportunities to attend races in person during his travels.
During the days of the Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, New York, he enjoyed capturing the excitement of the events through photography.
Harry began his professional career designing critical hydromechanical and control systems for the TOW missile system as an Engineer for Chandler Evans, a division of Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut. He then advanced to Senior Engineer in R&D at Corning Glass Works.
His passion for learning and innovation led him to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he pursued a full-time MBA at Harvard Business School, graduating in 1974.
He began his post-graduate career with USM Corporation / Emhart Fastening Teknologies / Global, which spanned decades of collaborating with business associates, cultivating strategic partnerships, and extensive international travel. He especially enjoyed The Concorde on some transatlantic flights!
Harry would also establish the Manchester Consulting Group, inspired by Clayton Christensen’s teachings at HBS on disruptive innovation, and applying marketing and manufacturing strategy to both high tech and acquisitions in mature industries.
Following his retirement, Harry authored numerous articles that are cataloged in fastener industry publications. As an inventor, he successfully developed and was awarded U.S. and international patents in several blind rivet fastening designs, tooling, and setting methods.
Most of all, he was deeply proud of and devoted to family. He supported his children wholeheartedly in their studies, careers, sports, and business ventures, and was always ready with advice they trusted and valued.
Harry especially enjoyed dedicating his time to managing teams at the AAA Boston youth hockey level for his son Trevor’s travel teams. Practices, games and tournaments shaped family life.
Harry was predeceased by his youngest son, Jason Alexander Taylor in 2016, and earlier by his parents, Henry and Matilda Taylor.
He leaves behind his devoted wife, Lynda Weston Taylor, a steady and loving presence in his life; his cherished children, daughter Allison Taylor Mannle and son Trevor Harrison Taylor; his son-in-law Ryan Mannle; and his four beloved grandchildren.
He also leaves his sister, Claire Taylor Cassella, and nieces, Megan Cassella Hand and Kate Cassella Kirk.
It is with love and gratitude that our family will remember and honor his life in private celebration.
I pray you'll be our eyes and
watch us where we go
And help us to be wise, in times
when we don't know.
Let this be our prayer, when
we lose our way
Lead us to the place, guide us
with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe.
~ The Prayer