ForeverMissed
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LCDR David W. Taylor, USN (Ret.) passed away March 04, 2021 at the age of 69. He was a longtime resident of Mullica Hill and Woodbury, NJ. He is survived by his wife Lydia Taylor, his daughter Yulia Shaposhnikova, his brothers Jeff Taylor and Mark Taylor, his sister Cathy Berg, his grandchildren Vlada and Michael.

America was central to his life. He was proud to be an American and a true patriot of his country. From childhood he dreamed of the sea and at the age of 19, after graduating from Auburn High School, WA, he joined the Navy. His inquisitive mind, natural abilities, talents, and dedication helped him to progress from an enlisted rate of Electrician’s Mate to LCDR.  As an officer, he served honorably in billets ranging from Boilers Officer in USS Kitty Hawk, Combat Information Center Officer in USS David R. Ray, and Chief Engineer in both USS Henry B. Wilson and USS England. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Washington and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. After over twenty years on active duty, he retired but did not interrupt his ties with the military - he taught at Valley Forge Military Academy and College and worked in companies directly associated with the Navy.

David's universe was truly immense. He was interested in everything: history, literature, music, science, art, economics, politics, philosophy, religion, sports, cooking ... He loved people with all his heart and was always ready to assist those who needed help. He took part with special enthusiasm and interest in the Harrison Township Historical Society, conducting classes with schoolchildren, acting as Santa Claus at Christmas and an MC during Groundhog Day events.

As a real American, he could fix any problem in the house with his own hands, but at the same time he always highly appreciated and respected the work of professionals.

One of David's favorite pastimes was reading. He did not just read, but literally absorbed information. He was a second to none storyteller. Whatever it was: stories from his personal life, stories about what he read or just jokes - all this was presented vividly, wittily, and in beautiful literary English language. When he interacted with people, even strangers, he radiated kindness and warmth. And when he laughed, the walls trembled and everyone was happy and cheerful.

David loved his family - his wife, children, grandchildren and spared absolutely no effort in doing everything to make his loved ones happy. He also generously cared for those who, by chance, became the temporary members of his family - exchange students from Latvia, Serbia, Spain.

Not only family, but America and the whole world have lost a wonderful person: smart, honest, sympathetic, sensitive, wise, caring, knowledgeable, insightful, true intellectual, understanding and believing in the future of America. Blessed memory to him! We will love him forever!

At David's will, his ashes will be scattered at sea by a Navy warship during a Navy Burial ceremony.

Fertig Funeral Home

 

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Paul Cruz
December 22, 2021
December 22, 2021
Lydia and family, I was crushed to hear of Dave's passing in your Christmas card. In Dave's Drive War Zone Blog I had the honor of being his Main Propulsion Assistant on USS ENGLAND (CG 22). It was my second Division Officer tour, having come from a tour on another ship based out of San Diego. I had come from that ship thinking I would do my tour on ENGLAND and resign my commission. Serving under Dave's leadership and tutelage, and being allowed to grow as a Naval Officer, I would continue to my Navy career as a Surface Warfare Officer, with the honor of serving as Commanding Officer, USS DULUTH (LPD 6).

Those were memorable days on ENGLAND, working hard and playing hard, but never forgetting the mission. I vividly remember him sitting in his stateroom playing in cards with the two Chief Warrant Officers, while the men of Engineering Department would be lighting off the plant to get underway on time. While I led the light off I know he was always there to support me if I needed him.

I think it is fitting for Dave to be buried at sea with full military honors. Wish I could be there.

CAPT Paul A. Cruz, USN (RET)
Main Propulsion Assistant, USS ENGLAND (CG 22), 1994-1996
Jim Clement
May 14, 2021
May 14, 2021
To the Taylor Family:

I am so sorry for your (and America's) loss. I was a young Operations Specialist (OS) who served with LCdr Taylor aboard the USS England (CG-22). I was up most of the night last night reading a two part article that he did with Tyler Rogoway in 2017. Now this morning, I find this.

I can remember many nights at sea on the mid-watch talking with David about many things. While he would never cross the line between officer and enlisted, he was never above leaning on the fence to chat with, and help out a neighbor. I will be 66 next month. When I look back over my younger life, I realize just how big a debt I owe David - - - and what a big part he played at helping a young boy grow into a man in all the ways that truly count. Duty, Honor, Courage, Kindness. Those were just not words to him. They were him.

He will be greatly missed. But he will never be forgotten.

OS1(SW) James S. Clement
USS England (CG 22)
1981 - 1985

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Paul Cruz
December 22, 2021
December 22, 2021
Lydia and family, I was crushed to hear of Dave's passing in your Christmas card. In Dave's Drive War Zone Blog I had the honor of being his Main Propulsion Assistant on USS ENGLAND (CG 22). It was my second Division Officer tour, having come from a tour on another ship based out of San Diego. I had come from that ship thinking I would do my tour on ENGLAND and resign my commission. Serving under Dave's leadership and tutelage, and being allowed to grow as a Naval Officer, I would continue to my Navy career as a Surface Warfare Officer, with the honor of serving as Commanding Officer, USS DULUTH (LPD 6).

Those were memorable days on ENGLAND, working hard and playing hard, but never forgetting the mission. I vividly remember him sitting in his stateroom playing in cards with the two Chief Warrant Officers, while the men of Engineering Department would be lighting off the plant to get underway on time. While I led the light off I know he was always there to support me if I needed him.

I think it is fitting for Dave to be buried at sea with full military honors. Wish I could be there.

CAPT Paul A. Cruz, USN (RET)
Main Propulsion Assistant, USS ENGLAND (CG 22), 1994-1996
Jim Clement
May 14, 2021
May 14, 2021
To the Taylor Family:

I am so sorry for your (and America's) loss. I was a young Operations Specialist (OS) who served with LCdr Taylor aboard the USS England (CG-22). I was up most of the night last night reading a two part article that he did with Tyler Rogoway in 2017. Now this morning, I find this.

I can remember many nights at sea on the mid-watch talking with David about many things. While he would never cross the line between officer and enlisted, he was never above leaning on the fence to chat with, and help out a neighbor. I will be 66 next month. When I look back over my younger life, I realize just how big a debt I owe David - - - and what a big part he played at helping a young boy grow into a man in all the ways that truly count. Duty, Honor, Courage, Kindness. Those were just not words to him. They were him.

He will be greatly missed. But he will never be forgotten.

OS1(SW) James S. Clement
USS England (CG 22)
1981 - 1985
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