Larry Taylor (1949-2026)
NEW BEDFORD, MA - Larry Taylor, a man of profound intellect, resilience, and devotion to his family, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026, surrounded by those he loved. He was 77 years old.
Born on February 26, 1949, in Bridgeton, New Jersey, Larry was the son of Josephine Taylor and James Abbott. He was raised by his mother and his stepfather, Clifford Burton, who provided the foundation for the man he would become.
Larry's life was marked by academic excellence and a quiet strength. He graduated as the valedictorian of the segregated Jason High School, a testament to his brilliance and dedication during a complicated era of American history. His pursuit of higher education took him first to the University of Delaware where he navigated the challenges of the Civil Rights era with grace-before transferring to Delaware State University. He eventually earned his MBA from the prestigious Wharton School of Business, an achievement that launched a long and successful professional career.
In his early career, Larry moved to Massachusetts to work for Polaroid, later transitioning to a distinguished tenure with the Department of the Navy, where he eventually retired.
While Larry was accomplished in the boardroom, he was most at home in his community and with his family. A man of faith, he was a dedicated member of the Pilgrim United Church of Christ, where he found great joy performing with the handbell choir. He spent many seasons on the local ballfields, mentoring young athletes as a youth baseball coach.
Larry's legacy lives on through his children: his son L.J. Taylor, born of his first marriage to Melonease Shaw; and his children Clifford and his wife Cleo and Marla, born of his marriage to Margaret Scott-Taylor. He was a proud and beloved uncle to eight nieces and nephews and shared a lifelong, unbreakable bond with his best friend, Danny Clark. In his later years, Larry found deep happiness and companionship with his girlfriend, Laura Morales.
He is survived by his brother, Darryll Burton, and sister-in-law Deborah, along with a wide circle of extended family, friends, and former players who will remember him for his wisdom, his steady hand, and his enduring kindness.

His Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 30th at 2 PM in the Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 635 Purchase St. New Bedford to celebrate Larry's life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you share a memory or a story that captures the spirit of the man they so dearly loved.