Frederick B. Taylor

June 25, 1943 – February 13, 2025

Frederick "Fred" Bourne Taylor III, also known as "Terry" to many who loved him, passed away on February 13, 2025.

Fred was born on June 25, 1943, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Frederick Taylor II and Ellen Bryden Taylor (Weston), and spent his childhood in Massachusetts. He and his brother, Hoyt, spent their days delivering newspapers with their beloved dog, Tipsy, and organizing neighborhood sports games—an early sign of his lifelong love for athletics and camaraderie.

In high school, Fred excelled in baseball, basketball, and football. With a reputation for hard work, hustle, and fair play, Fred was a consistent winner and known as the proverbial “great guy” to all who knew him. A clutch performer who led by example, he became captain of the football and baseball team and senior class president.

After high school, Fred was recruited to Hamilton College in Clinton, NY, where he played football and baseball. He was voted captain of both teams and football MVP in his senior year. A proud member of the DKE fraternity, he remained close to his fraternity brothers throughout his life, gathering annually for a golf outing.

After graduating, Fred served in the U.S. Coast Guard, navigating the vast Pacific Ocean with only a sextant as his guide. His sharp mind and steady leadership carried over into a 30-year career with State Farm, where he was known as a kind and fair boss who often advocated for those who worked for him.

In 1979, he moved to Shaker Heights with his first wife, Nancy Sinclair (Sampson), where they raised their daughters, Amy and Stacy. They spent summer vacations in Maine with their close family friends, the Andersons.

In 1999, Fred moved to Berea to be near the love of his life, Michelle Taylor (Frank), and her children, Kaelin and Seth. They married in 2001, blending their families and creating a life filled with warmth, humor, and joy.

Fred, an avid squash and golf player, enjoyed playing golf at Pine Hills on Saturdays. He had a remarkable gift for storytelling—his jokes and anecdotes could light up a room and often leave everyone in laughter. To know Fred was to love him.

The family would like to thank the incredible nurses on the 4th floor of the Seidman Cancer Center at University Hospital. Their kindness, care, and encouragement allowed us to spend Fred’s final days reminiscing, laughing, and cherishing every moment together.

Fred leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and laughter. He is survived by his devoted wife, Michelle; his children, Amy (Frank) and Stacy (Bryan); his stepchildren, Kaelin (Dale) and Seth; his cherished grandchildren, Lucas, Declan, Soryn, Emerson, Kipton, and Wyatt, and his brother, Hoyt (Mary Ellen). He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Please join Fred’s family in celebrating his life on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at The Terrace at Big Met Golf Course (4811 Valley Parkway, Fairview Park, OH 44126). Visitation from 1:00-2:00pm with a memorial service starting at 2:00pm. Additional visiting hours from 3:00-5:00pm following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred’s name may be made to Oxfam or the Hamilton College Fund.