Obituary of Dorothy and James Taylor

In Memory of Dorothy W. Taylor (9/8/1940-7/29/2024) and James F. Taylor (11/11/1937-3/24/2024)

Dorothy (Dottie) W. Taylor passed away peacefully on Monday, July 29^, 2024. James Franklin Taylor, her husband of more than 40 years, passed away on March 24^th, 2024 following a brief illness.  This memorial celebrates their lives as individuals as well as the beautiful life they built together.  

Dottie was born in 1940 in Rochester, NY to Donald and Helen Wolfrom and raised in Irondequoit with her older sister, Marilyn.  She graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1958, attended Miss McCarthy’s Secretarial School, and worked at Kodak before starting her family.   Dottie lived in Penfield for all of her adult life where she enjoyed the activities of her 4 children and many grandchildren.

The oldest of 6, Jim was born in 1937 in Rennerdale Pennsylvania (outside of Pittsburgh) to James Franklin and Dorothy  Kathleen Taylor.  He graduated from Syracuse University and served in the U.S Marines.  Jim started his career with Chase Bank (then known as Lincoln First Bank.)  He went on to earn his MBA from the University of Rochester and then to form equipment leasing companies Taylor-Bolane Associates and Cheyenne Leasing, which he operated until his retirement. 

Jim and Dottie were married on September 15, 1979.  For more than 40 years, they raised their families and built a life together that included a shared love for golf, music, reading and travel.  Between them, they raised 8 children and were “Grandma Dot” and “Pop Pop” to 21 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

While Penfield was always their home base, for many years, Jim and Dottie enjoyed winters in Treasure Cay, Abaco with a wonderful community of dear friends.  Dottie loved to swim and walk the beach for shells, while Jim enjoyed golfing and reading in equal measure.  It was a special place that they shared with friends and family and played many games of dominoes.

Those close to Dottie (or Grandma Dot) will remember how she loved her garden, her raspberry jam, and summer afternoons by the pool.   A long-time and active member of Al Anon of Greater Rochester, Dottie was a strong support to many in their recovery journey.

Those close to Jim (or Pop Pop) will remember his quiet ways, unparalleled capacity for reading mysteries, and not-so-secret sweet tooth.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 24 from 1-3 p.m. at Harloff Funeral Home, 803 S. Washington Street, East Rochester.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Greater Rochester Al-Anon.