Pete Taylor of New Port Richey, Florida, passed away on Jan. 7, 2024, at his home after a 22-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Pete was born in Flushing, New York, to John and Louise Taylor. In 1972, he met Debbie Stricker in Geneseo, New York. They were married soon after and went on to have two children, Bret and Todd.
After graduating from Great Neck High School, Pete earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education at SUNY Geneseo and later earned a certification in special education. Pete had a decades-long career as an educator in New York, Indiana and Florida. He taught middle and high school English as well as special education. While teaching, he also coached basketball, tennis and wrestling.
Pete was a devoted father. He worked two jobs for several years so Debbie, who was a speech therapist in the public school system, could take time off work to raise their boys while they were young. Pete coached his sons in basketball, soccer and baseball.
He had a passion for helping animals. He belonged to numerous animal advocacy organizations and adopted many rescue dogs, including four greyhounds.
Pete was a kind and generous person with a sense of humor that kept people laughing. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.
He is survived by Debbie, his wife of 51 years; sons Bret (James) and Todd (Shelby); granddaughters Avery Taylor and Parker Taylor; sister Carol Foerster (Bob); sister-in-law Dawn Russo (Marc); and brother-in-law John Stricker.
Among Pete’s favorite causes were Farm Sanctuary, Best Friends Animal Society and the Jane Goodall Institute.
Jessica Barton
January 10, 2024, 5:47 pm
Todd. I’m so sorry for your families loss.
Athena
January 10, 2024, 7:41 pm
One of my favorite poker buddies in the 90’s. Terry and I were glad u were at our wedding 33 years ago. Rest in peace👎🙏
Serletic Jeffery
January 10, 2024, 8:19 pm
Sorry to hear. Pete was my mentor when I started teaching. He is and will always be a great man! May he rest in peace!
Cathy Watters
January 10, 2024, 8:37 pm
I met Pete when I taught at Hudson Middle School. He was an asset to our ESE team. I remember most that he did not like to do 3year evals so he and I sat together and did them as a duo!
RIP Mr. Taylor
Laura Fink
January 10, 2024, 9:51 pm
He was my English teacher in the 80s. Because of him I love books and looking into their meanings. Great teacher. Prayers to his family🙏🏻
Troy LaBarbara
January 10, 2024, 11:36 pm
Pete was a tremendous friend and colleague of mine. More importantly, he was a great person. I can never repay him for all of the years of compassion, understanding, and love he showed the LaBarbara family. He was my partner in crime for quite a few years. He knew how to make me laugh when life was hard and he always helped to lift the weight of the world off of my shoulders when I needed someone to lend a hand. He helped me to be successful in this challenging field. I’m gonna miss you brother! You were an example to me as to how we should treat each other.
Love,
Troy LaBarbara
Candace Barron
January 11, 2024, 12:37 am
This is a great loss!!
James Gioielli
January 11, 2024, 4:02 am
Pete Taylor was the best advisor a student newspaper ever had. He encourage me during my senior year as we put out issue after issue of The Buccaneer. He was also the only one who asked me about college. Without his help, I would have never known about student aid for college. My AA, AS and BS are all based on a simple conversation we had one day in the newspaper room. He is also the one who introduced me to the Great Gatsby although I would read it years later and never get the chance to tell him about its impact on me. I hope he enjoyed the Woody Allen books I gave him as a thank you for all he did.
Thank you for the impact you had on my life.
Walter P. Chartrand
January 12, 2024, 10:22 pm
Dearest Cousin Peter,
You were named after our grandfather Peter Huttel, your mother Louise was my most favorite aunt and your father John was always a hoot! When I was a small boy, you would always have such fun with my brothers and me. I will miss you. You were always had a positive attitude and always of good spirits. You were a great father and loving grandfather. Additionally, you were very blessed to have the incredible love of your life with the beautiful Ms. Debbie.
May God bless you and keep you, and your beautiful family.
Godspeed Pete
Pat Warren-Lyons
January 13, 2024, 5:54 pm
May your soul Rest In Peace and your memory be a blessing.
Ann Reyes
January 14, 2024, 12:07 am
We are so sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. We will keep Debbie, Todd, Bret and the grandchildren in our prayers. Love. Erich & Ann Reyes
Laura Luter
January 15, 2024, 6:30 pm
I am so sorry to read of Pete’s passing. I had the pleasure of seeing him in action with his GHS students and worked alongside Deb in compliance. My heart goes out to the family! Sending love & hugs!
Jean & Jim Glutting
January 16, 2024, 11:25 am
Our deepest sympathy.
Wanda Detlefsen
January 16, 2024, 7:03 pm
Pete was always the perfect gentleman from the way he dressed to his sense of humor to his appreciation of “what was always right.” He was a perfect example of an informed teacher willing to listen without judgement and with compassion. A true educator in every sense of the word.
Shelley Newman
January 20, 2024, 3:04 pm
Your friends and family are in our thoughts and prayers. My husband Tim enjoyed working with him at RRHS back in the day. He was a very kind man with a huge heart 💜