Obituary of Albert J. Taylor

Dr. Albert J. Taylor Born June 3, 1927, deceased July 26, 2008. Survived by family: wife, Mary E. Taylor, Tucson, AZ; twin sister, Audrie Frantzis, Ladson, South Carolina; children, Carol Taylor, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Marilyn Taylor-Chavez and Chris Chavez, Pagosa Springs, Colorado, Kathy Taylor, San Diego, CA, Alan Taylor and Debbie Phillips-Taylor, Medford Lakes, NJ, Jeff Taylor and Olga Leiva-Taylor, Queen Creek, AZ, Marjorie Taylor-Burke and Steve Burke, San Diego, CA; grandchildren, Danielle, Ryan and Alexander Taylor; great-grandchildren, Nevaeh and Gabriel. It is almost futile to consolidate the accomplishments and many hats worn by Albert J. Taylor. Nevertheless, here we go: A pilot, a flight instructor, a veteran, an author, an educator, a planning and zoning commissioner, a poet, a painter/artist, a skipper and fisherman, an entrepreneur, a Mensa member, a politician, a health inspector, a computer enthusiast, an avid reader, and a devoted husband and father... just to name a few of his roles and interests. Truly, he was a renaissance man. He published several books on education and aviation, along with a multitude of magazine articles on education, politics, social issues, traveling adventures and collections of poetry. Albert and Audrie were born in Buddtown, New Jersey on June 3, 1927 to Lyman and Leva Shue-Taylor. His fascination with airplanes and flying led to earning his pilot's license at 16 years old, even before he received an automobile driver's license. He then joined CAP (the Civil Air Patrol). After graduating from Pembertown High School in Pemberton, NJ in 1945, and immediately went into the Army Air Corps/Air Force. He was stationed at the Panama Canal. After completing his service in the Air Force, he entered New Jersey State Teacher's College in Trenton under the G.I. Bill. Upon graduation he began teaching at Mansfield in Columbus, NJ in 1952. Simultaneously, he continued his education earning a master's degree 1958 and a doctorate in 1966 from Rutger's University NJ. During this period, he became a teaching Principal at Indian Mills Schools, Shamong Twp, NJ and then Principal of Hillside School in Mt. Laurel Twp, NJ. He returned to Mansfield as an Administrative Principal. In 1964, he joined the faculty of Glassboro State College (Rowan University) NJ. He founded the "Faculty Flying Club", training his fellow faculty member to earn their Pilot's license. They collectively flew and maintained several airplanes. He also helped start the AFT (American Federation of Teachers) union in the mid 1970's and served as the union negotiator until his retirement as a Professor Emeritus in 1987. After retirement, he traveled across the country and around the globe. In 1994, he and his wife moved from Pitman, New Jersey to Tucson, Arizona. Upon his arrival to Marana, AZ, he and his wife Mary helped to launch the Continental Ranch Seniors Association in August of 1994 and he was elected and served as President for the first three years. His love of the mountains that surrounded Tucson inspired him to write poetry and volunteer his service as a planning and zoning commissioner in Marana, AZ from 1995 - 1999. He was loved by all, especially by his family, and was known throughout his life for his keen wit and humor. He died due to complications brought on by Multiple Myeloma and congestive heart failure. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at Bordentown Funeral Home, Bordentown, NJ. Donations in Albert's honor can be made to any of the following: The Southern Arizona Multiple Myeloma Support Group, The Albert J. Taylor AFT Scholarship Fund (Rowan University, NJ) or the American Heart Association. Arrangements by DESERT SUNSET FUNERAL HOME, 3081 W. Orange Grove, Tucson, AZ.