Reverend Daniel James Taylor

Reverend Daniel Taylor, 76, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, September 28, 2023, in his Emerald Springs assisted living residence in Yuma, Arizona. He was the son of the late Frances Jane Hess Taylor.

"Father Dan" was born on March 16, 1947 in Philipsburg, PA, and attended the Osceola Mills elementary and junior high schools and Philipsburg-Osceola High School. He also attended the Altoona School of Commerce for three semesters, which later shaped his specialized skills in parish administration.

Discerning God's calling to Sacred Orders, Father Dan received his priestly formation and theological studies from St. Mark's Seminary at Gannon University and Christ the King Seminary at St. Bonaventure University in New York. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie by the Most Reverend Alfred Watson on March 17, 1975, in St. Peter's Cathedral in Erie, PA.

In 1982 Father Dan transferred to the Diocese of Tucson, where he served in St. Francis of Assisi Parish (Superior), St. Rose of Lima Parish (Safford), Sacred Heart Parish (Parker), Assumption B.V.M. Parish (Florence), Holy Angels' Parish (Globe), and St. Francis of Assisi Parish (Yuma). Father Dan also served four years on the faculty and an additional four years as Director for the Permanent Diaconate Program. Upon retirement from active priestly ministry, he continued to serve for nineteen years as an instructor for Arizona Western College in Yuma teaching Introduction to Philosophy, Logic, and Ethics. Father Dan was dearly loved by many. His love, care, and compassion for others was an incredible witness of living the Gospel throughout the journey of his life.

Father Dan is survived by his sister Sherri Jane Taylor of Morrisdale, PA, and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters Diane Raab and Jeanne Johnson, and his adopted son Fernando Correa Avila.

He will be laid to rest beside his son, Fernando.

“Sharing is the pleasure for the giver.”

“Teach me love, kindness, and compassion”.