Ronald Taylor, Sr.

Ronald Taylor, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home in his 82nd year on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. 

A true outdoorsman and jack-of-all-trades, he lived an adventurous and full life. He was a natural mechanic who could fix anything with an engine, spending countless hours tinkering and using his unique skills to help friends and neighbors. His hands-on ingenuity shone through when he engineered and built his own custom three-wheeler from scratch. 

A dedicated worker, he owned and operated his own tractor-trailer and took on various jobs, including time spent with Harmer Construction Company. He pursued his passions with the same relentless energy, enjoying a wide variety of sports like hunting, golf, bowling, and racing cars. He even played polo in Rochester, New York, but it was his motorcycle that gave him the ultimate feeling of freedom. There was nothing that made him feel more alive than being out on the open road on two wheels. 

Born July 26, 1944, in Russell. New York, at home, the son of the late Raymond Arnold Taylor Sr, and Evelyn Mae Waldo, attended Gouverneur High School. 

He is survived by his daughter Audrey Taylor of Rochester, New York and one son Ronald “Ron Ron” Taylor, Jr of Gouverneur, New York; two grandsons, Ronald “Ron” Taylor, III and William Taylor; a sister Norma Jean (Taylor) Soloff of Florida; three great grandsons Leonardo Taylor, Lennox Taylor, Larson Taylor; two great granddaughters Victoria Taylor and Trinity Taylor; three half sisters, Mary (Taylor) Simmons of Missouri, and Janet (Taylor) of Edwards, New York and Elva Taylor of CA; half brother Raymond Arnold Taylor, Jr of Michigan; step sister Gladys Reese of CA; daughter-in-law Kaitlin Taylor; and Katie McIntyre, a cherished long-time friend of his late brother Arnie Taylor. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He is predeceased by his longtime partner, Loretta “Lori” Jason; two sisters Evelyn Mae Taylor and Vanita (Taylor) Pierce; three brothers Raymond Arnold Taylor, Jr, Paul Edgar Taylor and Arnold Raymond Taylor; three half sisters Rose (Waldo Bice) Prashaw, Baby Girl, and April Taylor; five half brothers Theron “Sonny” Bice, Leslie Taylor, Wayne Taylor, Leland Taylor, and Arthur Taylor; step brother Marty Reese; great grandson Wilbert Taylor (twin of Victoria Taylor); and brother-in-law Gordon Pierce. 

Visiting hours will be Saturday, June 13, 2026 at the French Funeral Home, Gouverneur, New York at 11:00 am with Services at 11:30 am followed by burial at the Fullerville Cemetery. Pastor Skip Edie, officiating the service. 

Donations may be made to the Saint Lawrence Health Foundation (60 Leroy Street, Potsdam, New York 13676) to support the heart care, including Canton-Potsdam, Gouverneur, and Massena hospitals.