Joseph Francis Taylor

Joseph F Taylor was born October 7, 1938 in Brooklyn, NY. He was the oldest son of Joseph Patrick and Gertrude Hartmann Taylor. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Patricia Shevlin Taylor, his three adoring children, Estelle Abrams (Lawrence), Brenda Mader (Chuck), J.P Taylor (Kathleen), his four grandsons, Bryan Abrams (Marissa), Ira Abrams, Collin O'Brien Taylor and Sean Patrick Taylor, and also by his "adopted" children, Joyce Stevenson and Brandon Townsley.

Additionally, he is survived by his four siblings and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe, "Big Guy" to those who knew and loved the twinkle in his eye and the good humor in his laughter, moved from New York to Florida in 1959.

Throughout the 1960's, 70's and 80's, he worked as a Traffic Manager for various truck lines in South Florida. He briefly owned and operated a small hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach in the heyday of Spring Break, the El Mirador, where he was manager, groundskeeper and chief bottle-washer, all in one.

Joe served his community in various ways. He was a Hollywood police officer as a young man, then a reserve officer for both Fort Lauderdale Police Department, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant; he also served as a reserve deputy for the Broward County Sheriff's Office.

After ensuring that his children had the opportunity to complete their college educations, Joe went to college and graduated, at the age of 56, from Barry University in Miami, Magna Cum Laude. In 1990 through 1993, Joe became the Executive Director of the Fort Lauderdale branch of the USO. Joe loved the company of friends, and enjoyed making people smile with his charm and Irish wit. He was both a member and a board member of the Emerald Society of Broward County. He loved to meet his colleagues at McGuire's Irish Pub for a chat and a pint. Joe served on the board of the Harbor Beach Surf Club for many years, as he loved the beautiful pristine beach that was a short stroll from his home. In addition to these activities, was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus Father Monahan Council. A man of great faith, he loved his church, his family, and his country.

Not one to rest or retire, Joe went to work at the Department of Revenue in 1995 as a Child Support Enforcement Officer; he proudly held this position until his death in 2016. He enjoyed traveling, cruises, trips to Europe, or just visiting his children all over the country. He loved all things Irish, and his favorite tune, Danny Boy, would always bring a tear to his usually smiling "Irish eyes." He will be greatly missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him, even for a brief time. His laughter and humor were infectious, and joyful to hear. His bear hugs would warm an Eskimo.

The family would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses at Broward Health Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, who tirelessly and kindly took such great care of this wonderful, much-loved man, and answered so many questions with gentleness and compassion.

Pop, Big Guy, you will remain forever in our hearts, and we will meet again one day, but for now, "sleep in peace, until you come to me."

o In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Joe's memory to one of his favorite charities, the Salvation Army, Impact Broward-Homeless Veterans or the Broward County Humane Society.

Arrangements under the direction of Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.