Ralph James Taylor

Ralph James Taylor, of Mt Sinai NY passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026. Ralph was born on November 3, 1931 in Manhattan. He grew up in the Bronx and Yonkers surrounded by a large extended family, including four adoring sisters. He was always happy to tell you stories of his adventures riding trolley cars, crossing the Hudson on the ferry, camping near the cliffs of the Palisades, and taking road trips with his good friend Jack and cousin Bob. Ralph served in the Army during the Korean War, and though stationed in Hawaii was spared time on the battlefield. His joke was ”They heard I was coming so they surrendered.” After returning, Ralph graduated from Manhattan College and began his career in business, working in Credit and Collections for American Tobacco, Sealtest, Borden, and finally Estee Lauder. He married the love of his life, Dolores Tepe on November 9, 1957. They raised their three daughters in Wantagh, NY. Ralph retired as Estee Lauder’s Director of Credit and Collections to care for Dolores as she battled Alzheimer’s and moved to Miller Place in 1993.

Faith and family were the two most important things in Ralph’s life. While in Wantagh, Ralph was an active member of St William the Abbot Church, and served on the Finance Committee, the Nocturnal Adoration Society, and as an usher at Mass. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. After moving to Miller Place, Ralph continued his service at St Anthony of Padua, assisting on the Finance Committee and ushering. He enjoyed participating in the annual Rosary on the Beach. He continued to be an active member of the Knights of Columbus and assisted many friends, relatives and acquaintances during his lifetime. Ralph loved family gatherings, and enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who never failed to make him smile. He was an avid NY Islander and NY Yankees fan.

Ralph was predeceased by his wife Dolores. He is survived by his daughter Mary Anne Taylor [Keith Kelly) of Miller Place NY, Anne Marie Groccia (Vincent) of Fairfield CT, and Maureen Carey (Christopher) of Niverville, NY. He also leaves behind his loving grandchildren Peter Kelly’( Aruna), Claire Smith (Sean), Daniel Kelly (Kim),Frank Groccia (Lauren), Joanna Groccia (Jared Alexander), Tara Daly (Dennis),and Anna Carey. Ralph is also survived by six great grandchildren, Patrick, Rory, Charlie, Lucas, Isabel and Scarlett, as well as sisters Nancy Klein and Barbara Brennan, and brothers-in-law Bill Brennan and Robert Tepe. He also leaves behind his dear friends Jim Gerardi and Grace and Bob Healy, who were such bright lights in his life. Ralph was pre deceased by sisters Lorraine Shakeshaft and Lois Reape.

The family would like to thank all of Ralph’s caregivers, nurses and staff at the Bristal, TLC Companions, and NYU Langone Hospice, who have treated him with such gentle kindness, compassion and concern during these last few months. We are eternally grateful to you all.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Spark Foundation; checks can be mailed to The Bristal, 400 Sutton Court, Mount Sinai NY 11766; noting The Bristal at Mount Sinai c/o Ralph Taylor on the memo line.