Charles Taylor, a chemist who traveled the world, dies. He was 82 | Life Stories

Charles H. Taylor, 82, a native Staten Islander and a retired manager, died Saturday in Sea View Hospital and Rehabilitation Center.

A resident of New Brighton, Mr. Taylor was a graduate of Curtis High School. He attended Wagner College, earning a bachelor of science degree in chemistry.

He went on to earn a master of business administration degree in Executive Management and Economics from St. John’s University, as well as doing graduate work in physical and analytical chemistry at Purdue University.

He was inducted as a lifetime member into Beta Gamma Sigma, the national business honor fraternity.

Mr. Taylor worked for Schering-Plough Corporation, starting as a chemist. During his career, he held a number of management positions in quality control, purchasing operations support and purchasing.

He retired in 2003, after a 37-year career.

Mr. Taylor was a member of several professional organizations, a fellow in the American Institute of Chemicals, a member of the American Chemical Society, and the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.

In retirement, he became a volunteer with the Service Corps Of Retired Executives -- SCORE -- counseling first-time entrepreneurs on obtaining a business loan, building a business plan and marketing.

He was a world traveler, traveling extensively for business and pleasure throughout Europe, Asia, South America, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and the continental United States. He visited over 40 countries.

Mr. Taylor cherished his Polish heritage. In 2009, he traveled to Poland to renew his family roots. His grandmother immigrated to America in September 1909. He made the reverse voyage exactly 100 years later, the trip an opportunity to reconnect with his Polish cousins who did not have the opportunity to immigrate to America.

Mr. Taylor was an art collector, having a collection of original oil paintings and prints from American and European artists. He visited the major art museums and galleries throughout Europe and America.

“Art is the soul of man’s journey through life,” was a constant refrain.

He fancied himself an amateur art critic in latter years.

Mr. Taylor also was a numismatic, having a coin collection dating back to the early 1800s.

Family and friends were a constant in Mr. Taylor’s life. Family provided guidance, emotional support and continuity in life, especially in difficult times. He had a number of lifelong friends going back to elementary school. Family gatherings were always a special time.

“Life and our life experience are the crucible of our life,” he’d tell family. “Treat others as you would want to be treated. You only get one journey through life . . . live it to the fullest.”

Mr. Taylor was a parishioner of St. Stanislaus Kostka R.C. Church, the church his grandparent’s helped build.

He is survived by cousins Debra Weinmann Schmidt, Robert Sadowski and Carol and Brian Laline.

Viewing will be held Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. in Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Ave., West Brighton. A Mass will be offered Wednesday at 11 a.m. in St. Stanislaus, 109 York Ave., New Brighton.

In lieu of flowers, Mr. Taylor asked friends to consider a donation to St. Stanislaus Kostka.