Ilion: Donald J. Taylor, 82, a lifelong resident of Ilion, passed into the arms of the Lord on Saturday afternoon, May 19, 2012 in St Elizabeth’s Hospital in Utica, NY. The past year he has resided in the Harding Nursing Home in Waterville, NY.

He was born in Ilion, New York, on February 1, 1930 the son of the late John and Almeta Hughes Taylor of Ilion.

He was a graduate of Ilion High School, Class of 1947. Don enlisted in the US Army on February 9, 1951 and was honorably discharged on October 16, 1956. He began his local legendary coaching career in 1953. For the next 43 years he was the CYO basketball coach at Annunciation Catholic School, where he taught hundreds of young men, not only the finer points of playing basketball, but what it took to be a man of integrity. The Annunciation gymnasium was dedicated in his honor as the Don Taylor gymnasium. Mr. Taylor was the official timer at the track and field events at Ilion High School. He worked as a tool maker by trade at Mohawk Tool and Die. His favorite baseball team was any team that was playing the New York Yankees.

He is survived by many nieces and nephews and leaves behind one sister, Ethel Mehring, of Akron, OH. He was predeceased by sisters, Marian Bishton of Ilion, NY; Verna Tresohlavy of Ilion and FL; Leona Hull of Herkimer, NY and brothers, Robert Taylor of Canton, NY and Albert Taylor of Rocklin, CA. and many, many dear friends.

Don’s funeral will commence on Saturday, May 26, 2012, at 12 pm, from the chapel of Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, with Rev. Cindy Makarchuk, officiating. Interment will be made in Oak View Cemetery, Frankfort, where he will be laid to rest next to his parents. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at the funeral home from 10-12 pm, Saturday, prior to his funeral service.
Memorial contributions, in Don’s memory, can be made to the Ilion Sports Boosters. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.eneafamily.com . The family is being served by Scott J. Pizer, Funeral Director for Enea Family Funeral Homes.