William Peach Taylor

William Peach Taylor, age 96, of Marblehead, MA passed away on February 13, 2025 in Marblehead, MA. He was born on July 9,1928, in Osterville, MA, the son of Norman Willis Taylor and Mary Peach Taylor. Bill spent his childhood in Osterville until his family moved to Marblehead. His wife, Barbara Smith Gallo Taylor predeceased him in 2019. He is survived by his stepdaughter Margery Ann Gallo Armstrong, his son-in-law Paul Armstrong, two nieces, Melinda Doane of Beverly and Gail Maki Lockard of Salem. He was also predeceased by his two sisters, Fay Taylor Doane and Virginia Taylor Maki.

Bill began his life at sea at the young age of 16 when he joined the Merchant Marines. He studied hard throughout his career and advanced his career to First Engineer. He estimated that he traveled the equivalent of three trips around the world and visited most of the ports of the world during his 40 years at sea. Many of his trips were to Africa, South America and Vietnam during the war. He told many tales of the sea.

He joined the Army in 1955 and served at Fort Eustis, Virginia in Co. C, 110th Division as Private First Class on the Rifle Squad. He received the Good Conduct Medal and was honorably discharged in 1956 with awards for his sharpshooting abilities. He was an Expert Rifle M-1 and Carbine shooter.

While at sea, Bill would occupy his time by drawing and carving birds. He was a master of his craft, winning many awards for his work and did several commissioned pieces. Bill loved nature and the outdoors. Some of his best times were spent on Tinker’s Island where he and his wife, along with two other couples shared a camp. They spent many summers carrying supplies by boat to the island and making many improvements to the camp. He enjoyed sitting in his backyard with a beer in hand watching and feeding the turkeys that visited him several times a day, the pheasants he raised, wild birds and animals that visited and the clouds. He was fascinated with clouds and the sky, always keeping a close eye on what was happening.

Bill was also well known at the metal bin and swap shed in Marblehead. He salvaged bicycles, grills, snow blowers, lawn mowers anything that needed repair. He would spend hours in his workshop getting them repaired so they became like new. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t get running again. He always said everything he brought home was “brand new”, even if it was covered in rust and broken.

He was a 32 Degree Mason of Philanthropic Lodge of Marblehead, The Valley of Salem, Scottish Rights and the Aleppo Shrine Temple and Shriner’s Hospital, and the North Shore Shrine Club.

His family would like to thank Avita at the Mariner Marblehead, NeighborGood Care and Care Dimensions for the wonderful care they provided to Bill over the past several years.

A private burial is scheduled for a later date. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com. Donations may be made in Bill’s memory to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St. Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 or via www.cardimensions.org.