S. David Taylor

S. David Taylor of Bensalem died peacefully Monday, Aug. 4, 2014 with his sons by his side, under the supervision of Vitas Hospice and the caring staff of Aria Torresdale Hospital, after suffering a stroke and years of fighting diabetes and kidney disease. He was 85.

Born Feb, 9 1929 in Philadelphia, Pa., he was a graduate of Northeast High School in 1947 and received his Business Administration Degree from Temple University in 1959.

Drafted into the Army in 1951, David trained at The Southeastern Signal School at Camp Gordon, Ga. At the Ordnance School at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., he trained as an Electronic Fire Control Repairman.

For nearly 20 years David worked for Philco-Ford. Starting in 1948 in the Television and Radio Department, he later rose to management in the Techrep division providing logistical support to the Mitre Corporation, Bell Labs and the U.S. Air Force.

As a SEPTA Manager of Contract Accounting for over a decade, he managed $600 million in capital funds. He was recognized by the City of Philadelphia as providing an extra service as Special Examiner for the Civil Service.  He also created the first transportation authority “Administration Cost Allocation Plan” approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation resulting in millions in cost recovery.

With the Bensalem Township Authority he modernized the electronic payroll and meter reading systems and as Director was instrumental in maximizing the valuations used in the township’s eventual sale of the Water and Sewer Authority to Bucks County.

David enjoyed gardening and decorating his home in Bensalem. He enjoyed watching football, boxing and mixed martial arts. He enjoyed his computer and continued to listen to new music of all genres until the end of his life. He was an impeccable dresser, Cadillac driver, avid dancer and prolific club goer, sometimes known as “Disco Dave” or “Davey T.” He was a trusted confidant and valued advisor to many of his friends.

He was a loving father and even-tempered parent who encouraged his children with his patient persistence. He enjoyed playing tennis and summers with the family in Wildwood at the Sun Deck motel. And when he felt particularly economical, he subjected his family to Mrs. Kelley’s boarding house.  He was a hard bargainer in his personal life and was justly proud of his skills in getting value on behalf of citizens during his public sector work.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Seymour Roosevelt Taylor and Ethel Beatrice Gallagher and Sister Ethel Marceline Chando.

He is survived by his two children, Scott David Taylor and Christopher Keith Taylor; two grandchildren, Matthew Taylor and Hannah Taylor; brother-in-law, Steve Chando; Siblings Francis Gallagher, Robert Gallagher, Judith Nelson, and Yvonne Leone.

His family plans a gathering of remembrance and celebration in the coming weeks.