Daniel Patrick Taylor

Daniel Patrick Taylor, age 79, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on August 17, 2025. Dan was born on May 14, 1946 in Grand Rapids, one of the nine children of James & Helen (Sobel) Taylor.

After graduating from high school, Dan joined the Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam war. After his honorable discharge, he began his career working at the post office. He would spend 44 years as a mail carrier before retiring.

In the early 1970s, some coworkers thought that Dan would make a good match with a cute young lady, Theresa Dochod, who worked third shift at the post office. These friends would be correct, after a short while dating the young couple were married on May 14, 1971 (Dan’s 25th birthday). They just celebrated 54 years of wedded bliss.

When Dan was not working, he was frequently found on the golf course or fishing on the lake. However, his passion was cars. Dan was always tinkering with them from a quick oil change to adding some power to the engine. The normally quiet and reserved guy would transform into a diehard and fierce competitor when he entered his cars into races like those held at the Berlin speedway. He was good behind the wheel of a car and had countless trophies to prove it.

Dan enjoyed the quiet of home, and the company of his family. He was devoted husband, loving dad and caring Papa. He will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Besides his wife, Theresa, Dan is survived by his daughter Mary (Michael) McCarthy; his grandchildren: Saoirse, Deaglan and Caoimhe McCarthy; his siblings: Sharon (Robert)Knapp, Phyllis Saganski, Connie (George) Anthon, Jeri (Denny) Holzgen, Thomas Taylor, Chris (Lisa) Taylor and Mary Ellen Staley; his brothers-in-law Joseph Dochad, John (Barbara Joan) Dochod and Sam Joseph as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jim & Helen; his brother James (Rose) Taylor; his mother-in-law and father-in-law Sophie & Joe Dochod; his in-laws Stanley Saganski, Jim Courtade, Lucia Taylor, Jerry Staley and Mary Ann Joseph.

Visitation for Dan will be held on Tuesday August 18, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel where a rosary will be said at 7:15 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday August 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church were the family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service.

Memorial donations in memory of Dan may be made to Reed City Crossroads Car Club, the funds are designated to the new Veterans’ Park to be built in Reed City, or to St. Clement Health Care Center to help support the Redemptorist priests’ care.