Herbert Reece Taylor

Herbert Reece Taylor — known affectionately as “Herb,” and to many in the Glover Park community as the Mayor — passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, warmth, and unforgettable charm.

Born on September 1, 1952, in Alexandria, Virginia, to Carter Reece Taylor and Margaret Elizabeth Conner, Herb was the seventh of nine children, and the third son born to their union. His mother, Margaret, was blessed with four daughters before marrying Carter, and together they welcomed five sons — of which Herb was one.

He spent his earliest years in Alexandria before the family relocated to Washington, D.C. Herb grew up in the Deanwood neighborhood of Northeast D.C. during a time when the city was alive with soul, pride, and change. Summers were spent outdoors, with music drifting through the air from porches and parks like Fort Lincoln, DuPont, and Rock Creek, where neighbors gathered to laugh, dance, and dream in a city full of rhythm and possibility.

Herb enjoyed sports and was especially fond of baseball. He played on a local softball team for a short time and, in his later years, proudly cheered for the Washington Nationals, delighted to see D.C. once again represented on the baseball field.

Though he never sought titles or chased prestige, Herb was a man of steady hustle and reliable skill. He held a position with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and later worked a variety of jobs that reflected his versatility and work ethic — from delivery routes and construction projects to painting, carpet installation, and furniture moving. He could fix, carry, or brighten just about anything.

In the early 2000s, Herb found his true home and extended family in the Glover Park neighborhood near Georgetown. What began as work in local bars soon became a calling — a space where his easy smile, quick wit, and natural charisma flourished. Whether managing the door, tending bar, or simply lighting up the room, Herb’s presence was magnetic. Everyone knew Herb — and if they didn’t, they soon would. His laughter, his stories, and his heart made him a fixture in the community, earning him the affectionate title “The Mayor of Glover Park.”

A lifelong lover of music, Herb had a soundtrack for every moment. He could often be spotted riding his bike through the neighborhood, speakers blasting old-school R&B, funk, or jazz — offering a wave, a laugh, or a quick story to everyone he passed. The bars where he worked often hosted local musicians and live bands, and Herb took pride in supporting them — creating spaces filled with energy, laughter, and the sound of good times.

He also had a tender and loyal heart for animals. In earlier years, he worked as a dog walker and pet sitter, known to treat every dog like family. He adored his beloved Papillon, Bijon, who was often seen wearing a bowtie — “because he’s a gentleman,” Herb would say. More recently, he shared his days with Louie Blue Eyes, his faithful miniature Australian Shepherd, who remained by his side until the end.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Carter Reece Taylor and Margaret Elizabeth Conner Taylor; his sisters, Ann and Charldine “Deenie”; and his twin brothers, Wayne and Warren.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted daughter, Tondaleyo Williams; his siblings, Carolyn, Romaine, Stephen, and Michael; a host of nieces, nephews, and extended relatives; and his beloved Glover Park family — the many friends, neighbors, and kindred spirits who shared his laughter, his stories, and his heart.

Herb’s gift was simple but rare — he made people feel seen. His laughter filled every room, his kindness left its mark, and his presence brought light wherever he went.