Thursday, April 26, 2012

Ralph Duncan Taggart


Wellsville, NY - Ralph Duncan Taggart, 99, a Wellsville resident since about 1939 passed on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Wellsville Manor Care Center. He was born February 8, 1913 in the town of Willis on Long Island to James Moses and Fanny (Day) Taggart.

With his younger brother, David, he was raised in Port Washington, New York, where he spent his youth canoeing, swimming, camping, and ice skating around the Long Island Sound area. He attended Michigan State College in Grand Rapids, living with his uncle Ganson Taggart. During the great depression he was forced to leave school for a year when the banks closed. He joined the CCC and worked planting trees. He graduated with an engineering degree and was hired by Worthington Corporation in Wellsville. He continued in the same employment until retirement. He joined the Wellsville United Methodist Church and met his wife, Eleanor Josephine Marsh through members of the church. She predeceased him in September of 1993.

They made their home at 140 Pine Street, Wellsville and raised three children- Marsha Jean Taggart-Francis, Linda Joy Taggart-Mendelsohn, and Wayne Duncan Taggart. He is also survived by five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was an avid outdoorsman, taking walks early in the morning. He was known in Wellsville as the man who rides his bike to work and around town. He was an avid tennis player, playing with his father and friends on his father's clay court. In Wellsville he played soft ball in the church league. At age 93 he was roofing and painting the house. After his wife's death, he traveled with Marsha and her young children to Maine, Ohio, Florida, and South Carolina vacationing, and visiting family and his childhood home. He will be missed by his Family. He lived a full and active life and provided well for his family.

Plans are being made for a memorial service at the Wellsville United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 26, 2012 followed by a dinner for all family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the United Methodist Church, Southern Tier Youth for Christ, or Gil's Hills. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

1 comment:

  1. I am so sorry Wayne & Family for your loss. Many prayers for God to comfort each of you.

    Melanie I.

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