William Robert Taylor

William, "Bill" to all who knew him, was born Dec. 14, 1942, in Hartford CT, the third child of Robert and Amy (Bronkhorst) Taylor. He grew up in Manchester, CT, and graduated from Manchester High School.

Bill earned his BS in education and English from the University of Hartford in 1964, an MA in English from the University of Vermont in 1968 and a Certificate of Advanced Study in literature and film from Wesleyan University in 1978. He published the first filmography of director Sydney Pollack, developing a friendship with him when Pollack invited him to the set during the filming of “The Electric Horseman.” If you look at the end credits, you will see Sydney’s special thanks to Bill. The two stayed in touch until Pollack’s death in 2008.

Bill married Eunice (Libby) Taylor in 1973, and they had their only child, Kristin Amy Taylor, in 1975. Although Bill and Eunice divorced in 1993, their families remained entwined, and they treated each other with love and respect.

Bill's teaching career spanned 37 years. He taught English at Coventry High School, Waterford High School and East Lyme High School, was a writing curriculum coordinator for East Lyme's schools system and was the Interdisciplinary Coordinator for Humanities at Stonington High School. Described by many as “the best English teacher ever” and an inspiring teacher-leader to his colleagues, Bill was passionate about instilling a love of literature and writing in teenagers (even reluctant ones) and a love of progressive, student-centered teaching in teachers (even reluctant ones).

Even after retirement, Bill was inspired by a passion for helping others. He volunteered with the Red Cross and spent more than a month in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, helping to coordinate public education emergency services. He also drove cancer patients to their appointments and did disaster relief after major wildfires in California.

Bill loved dogs (especially golden retrievers), reading, sailing, the ocean, bowling, bluegrass music, crosswords, and terrible puns. He had a wicked sense of humor; you knew he liked you if he gave you a hard time.

Bill is survived by his daughter Kristin and her husband, Andrew Dalzell, of Kagel Canyon, CA; his siblings Joanne (Dale) Lippert of Franklin, MA, and Katherine (John) Cussen of East Hampstead NH; his former wife Eunice; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; many dear friends; and his beloved dog, Sunny. Bill was predeceased by his parents and his oldest sister, Patricia T. Uguccioni.

Bill's ashes will be scattered in the ocean privately, but Kristin will host a celebration of his life in Connecticut this June, details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to any of the following charities in his honor: The Red Cross, The Humane Society of the United States, or The Trevor Project.

To honor Bill, crack a joke, pet a dog, be kind to a neighbor, and help someone out, even if they don’t ask.

A Gathering of family and friends will be:

Date: June 9, 2024

Time: 2:30-5:30 open house

Place: The Pavilion at Saybrook Point, 155 College St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475

Details: Please join Kristin and other family members for a celebration of Bill's life at the Pavilion at Saybrook Point. Skilled musician Chris Leigh will be sharing the gift of music on acoustic guitar, and we will have drinks and finger food available — including Bill's favorite, of course: shrimp! Although there will not be a formal program, we encourage everyone to wear some shade of blue, Bill's favorite color, and to share memories and stories throughout the afternoon. There will be a memory book you can add to and some of Bill's favorite items on display.