Michael John Taber

Beloved husband, father, and coach, Michael “Mike” John Taber, age 57, of Park Ridge, NJ passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on February 28, 2021. Mike was the owner of Landscape Systems, Inc., which he established before graduating Syracuse University with a BS in Landscape Architecture in 1988. Mike was always quick to point out that he learned the most at SUNY Cobleskill, where he first earned an Associate degree in Landscape Development in 1984 and was the baseball team’s starting catcher and outfielder. Mike’s passion for his work was only surpassed by his love for his family. Mike was the adored husband of Heidi for twenty-nine years (and her high school crush) and the most devoted father and number one fan of son, Troy, and daughter, Julia.

Mike was Troy and Julia’s fiercest supporter and took great joy in sharing coaching them and their teammates on the same fields on which he played. A lifelong resident of Park Ridge, his pride for his hometown and its athletic teams ran deeply; hopefully, his players still laugh at Coach Taber’s stories that began with, “When I was your age…” Whether it was Rec football, NEBAS baseball, softball, or American Legion, his love of the game was contagious. Serving as assistant coach to the PRHS Varsity Baseball team during Troy’s varsity years were the proverbial icing on the cake. He was beyond proud of the players he coached and young adults he molded. In our hearts, he will always be #24.

Mike is predeceased by his parents, George Robert and June Rose (Senft) Taber, and brother Brian. Mike was the cherished brother of Robert and Lauren, dear son-in-law of Elvira Steinhauff, and beloved brother-in-law of Claudia, Eve, and their families. He was also a treasured uncle, cousin and friend to many as he was always thinking of others before himself.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road in Westwood, NJ, on Sunday, March 7, from noon until 4:00 p.m. Please be respectful of COVID protocols; masks and social distancing will be required and greatly appreciated. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Park Ridge American Legion Post 153, 118 Ridge Avenue, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Due to the pandemic, the Post is struggling without its fundraising abilities.