Eric Taylor

Eric Jeffrey Taylor was the last child born to Percy and Yvonne Taylor on August 6th, 1961 in Rochester, New York. He spent the early years of his life in Washington, DC, before joining his siblings in Rochester to attend elementary school. He attended Roth Junior High School in Henrietta, New York. Eric returned to the DMV, where he attended Northwestern HS, and graduated in 1979.

Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and received several commendations. He was stationed aboard the USS Blandy and the USS Virginia. After completing his military service, Eric returned to Maryland where he worked for the US Department of Agriculture and became a member of the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department, where he received the affectionate nickname "Buddha". In later years, Eric served as a dispatcher for the Hyattsville City and Rockville City Police Departments.

Eric was a lover of sports of any kind. He was an ardent supporter of Notre Dame football, the Orioles, Terps, the Lakers, and a die-hard Redskins fan. After suffering a major stroke in 2007, Eric battled back to reclaim his life. Eric loved life, and was always the life of the party. He loved traveling, spending time with friends and family. He always made big plans and usually figured out a way to make them happen. The last several years of his life were spent focused on passing along the importance of family to his many nieces nephews, and siblings.

Eric passed suddenly on the morning of July 2, 2016. He is survived by his wife Tanya, triplet children Erica, David and Halley; brothers Michael (Deborah), Philip, Steven (Judy), and Joseph; sisters Elayne and Noelle (David) Jalbert; Stepfather Sam Anderson, Aunt Nadine Hendrickson, Uncle Barry Hendrickson, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was pre-deceased by his father Percy, mother Yvonne, and brothers Darryl, Billy and Clinton. He will be greatly missed by many. Rest in peace, Buddha!