
Obituary
Tuesday
11
February
Sharing Memories
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Okay Beer Company at West Main Lanes
126 West Main Street
Honeoye Falls, New York, United States
Obituary of Joel C. Taylor
Joel C. "Chief" Taylor, age 65, took his last breath on Sunday, December 15, 2024, with his long-time girlfriend, Robin Stewart-Ha, holding his hand. He leaves behind his former wife and friend, Loren Taylor (Paul), and stepdaughter, Carly Hanna; his sister, Jennifer Taylor, her children, and a great-niece and nephew; cousin, Dwayne Campbell (Fran); friends who became family in the Baumann, Harrison, and Harvey families; as well as cherished friends in the Pittsford and Honeoye Falls Fire Departments, the Town of Mendon, and many others. Please know that if Joel took the time to talk with you, you were special to him.
He is predeceased by his parents, Gordon "Prof" and Alice Taylor, and special friends William Sr. and Shirley Harvey, Harold "Hal" and Christine Baumann, and James "Jim" Harrison.
Joel retired after 25 years with the Monroe County Sheriff's Department. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, trapper, and fisherman. Realizing he wanted a new challenge in retirement, he started a nuisance trapping business, American Wildlife Management, while still working as a Deputy. As Joel and Robin drove around the greater Rochester area, Joel frequently pointed out homes and businesses where he had worked, sharing stories of woodchucks, squirrels, chipmunks, and skunks he had captured there. In addition to his trapping business, Joel served as the Dog Control Officer for the Town of Mendon from April 9, 2008, until his passing. He took great joy in reuniting runaway dogs with their families.
Joel served in the fire service for 47 years, beginning with the Pittsford Fire Department on March 7, 1978. After nine years with that brotherhood, he transferred to the Honeoye Falls Fire Department on April 14, 1987, where he held himself and his colleagues to the highest standards. He served as Chief for the HFFD from 2004 to 2006 and again from 2010 to 2012. Joel deeply valued the camaraderie and purpose of the volunteer fire service.
Joel loved to travel, with a passion for hiking the mountains of the West, bear hunting in Maine and Nova Scotia, and deer hunting at friends' camps in the Adirondacks and Naples. Whether on a job or walking the woods, he was always searching for tracks and scat (animal poop) brainstorming about the possible animals that left them. Though he once owned a Formula speedboat in his younger years, he took great pride in the "$600 rowboat" he restored, using it for fishing on the smaller lakes and vacations with Robin's family.
A bourbon enthusiast and foodie, Joel enjoyed sampling cheeses at Wegmans, trying exotic meats from Palmer's, and crafting multi-course meals—whether for the guys at camp or an intimate dinner for two. Over the years, he hosted countless celebrations big and small around his backyard pool, creating memories with family and friends.
Joel had a strong work ethic, expected the very best from himself and others, and was always willing to share his knowledge or lend a hand. He relished discussing politics and current events, respected differing perspectives, but never hesitated to share his own bluntly. A confident man, Joel didn't mind if people didn't like him—everyone always knew where they stood with him. He often shared the "Taylor philosophy" that a situation could go one of two ways - Same or different; good or bad. Pick a course and adjust as needed.
Those wishing to make a donation in Joel's memory may consider contributing to Ducks Unlimited (ducks.org), the National Wild Turkey Federation (nwtf.org), or a charity of their choice.
If you spent any quality time with Joel, you know he was a storyteller. Friends, please bring your stories of Joel to share on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 from 3:00 - 7:00 pm at Okay Beer Company at West Main Lanes, 126 West Main Street, Honeoye Falls, NY 14472.
Who We Are:
Merton H. Kays Funeral Home maintained its grand and spacious home like environment that so many families appreciate. While keeping with its historic features the funeral home is a very large facility offering families the space they need while ensuring the costs to families is kept competitive or below other funeral homes in the surrounding area.
Our Location:
Merton H Kays Funeral Home, Inc.
59 Monroe Street
Honeoye Falls, NY, 14472
Phone: (585) 624-1120
Fax: (585) 624-3228
Mark A. Stephens, Funeral Director and Owner