On the afternoon of September 15, 2020, Maynard A. Taylor, age 80 of Fernandina Beach, Florida, passed away from Covid-related complications.

Maynard was born in New York City on March 2, 1940, to Margaret Debuono and Maynard Taylor. He grew up in White Plains, New York and raised his family in Shelton, CT. He was a 1957 graduate of Iona Preparatory School, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Iona College in 1961, and earned a Master�s degree in Philosophy from Fordham University. He taught English at Salesian High School, New Rochelle NY, St. Mary�s High School, Greenwich, CT, Brien McMahon High School, Norwalk, CT, and Fairfield High School in Fairfield, CT where he spent most of his career and retired in 1998. He has lived in Fernandina Beach, Florida since 2001 where he hosted many holiday dinners, summer vacations, and family gatherings. Known affectionately as �Poppy� he was a lively spirit who loved telling stories, and joking around. He was the life of the party, and was prone to the occasional gaffe, which has left his family with many fond and hilarious memories. Family was most important to him, and he spent years coaching youth basketball, baseball, and soccer. He was a basketball game announcer at Sacred Heart University, where he was a proud member of the Pioneer Club. During his life, he was an advocate for civil rights, where he marched in protests, shook John F. Kennedy�s hand, and taught social justice classes in high school in the 1970s. He also worked for Head Start in the summers. He was an advocate at heart, and family members looked to him when they needed good advice.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Kathryn Taylor, whom he has loved since the day they met. Maynard will be fondly remembered by his children, Jacqueline Gattoni, Donna Gregorio (Ben), Kim Taylor (Mark), Marc Taylor (Lara), Neil Taylor (Shirley), and will be missed by his grandchildren, Kristen, Ryan and Danny Gattoni, John and Jennifer Gregorio, Michelle and Sarah Chang, Martina Taylor and Neil, Ethan and Max Taylor. He shared a life-long bond with his cousin, Jo-Ann Mondelli, whom he adored. He is predeceased by his daughter Lisa Taylor and son in law, Kenneth Gattoni.

In keeping with the Covid-19 guidelines, all services will be private at this time. A celebration of life will be planned in the future.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Michael�s Church Building Fund in Fernandina Beach, Florida.