Raymond Taylor

Raymond   Rongy Taylor  was born on October 4, 1938 in the Bronx, New York to Edward and Angelita Taylor. Raymond was one of three brothers— the middle child between older sibling Edward Jr. "Sonny" Taylor (now deceased) and younger sibling William "Billy" Taylor. In 1949, the family moved to Spring Street in Trenton, New Jersey, where Angelita lovingly cared for their new home   and Edward  continued his successful proprietorship of several dry cleaning and laundry businesses. 

Raymond   attended Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio and became passionately involved as soon as he arrived on campus. He regularly attended school football games and was engaged in several organizations on and off campus. He often said that "Central State was as fitted to me as my skin to my bones." 

After graduation, Raymond  became a commissioned   Naval Officer. He was originally stationed in Pensacola, Florida, where he met his wife Veronica C. Taylor (now deceased). The two traveled to Coronado, California where they eventually married on June 1, 1965. What was planned to be a Justice of the Peace wedding turned into a beautiful ceremony where Raymond's  fellow officers showed up in their dress whites and surprised the couple with a gauntlet of swords to walk underneath in celebration. Raymond was one of two Black members in his Squadron; despite the prevalent racism of the 60s, this show of solidarity was a testament to the positive impression Raymond made on his peers. 

Raymond's  dedication to making a positive impact continued as he and his wife moved back to Trenton, NJ, both enrolling in Masters programs at The College of New Jersey (then Trenton State College). During this time and throughout his life, Raymond   proudly  embodied the Four Cardinal Principles of his beloved Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated of "Manhood,  Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift." He came into the fraternity through the Trenton Delta Epsilon Chapter on May 25, 1973. Raymond  deeply believed that education was critical to success and creating positive citizens. He was committed to ensuring that urban youth had access to education and opportunities that would improve their conditions, and his Masters of Education training informed his approach to this lifelong endeavor. While in graduate school, Raymond's authorship flourished. He had the honor of interviewing several Tuskegee Airmen, the African-American pilots who fought 
in World War II as part of the 32nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group of the US. Army Air Corps. His writing on this historic group was featured in several publications and won an award in a Trenton State College writing competition.  Raymond also owned a record company  called Trent Town Records, where he had several writing credits, including "Champagne, Cherie"  with noted jazz musician King Errisson. He also produced "In Times LIke These (the Echoes of Shiloh)," Shiloh Baptist Church's first gospel album. 

When  he wasn't making music, Raymond continued to be steeped in education work. He tan an enrichment program called New Careers with Trenton youth, which he considered'. one of his greatest professional accomplishments. He also worked in Grants Management  with the state Department .of Education, and as a Township Manager at Hollowbrook Community Center in Ewing. 

In 1979, Raymond and Veronica .adopted their only child, Byron Taylor, and in Byron's adolescence, Raymond enjoyed  volunteering as a little league announcer at his in Moody Park. Raymond cared deeply for his family, stepping up to take care of his father as he aged and passed away and doing the sank for his beloved wife until she passed in 2015. Raymond will be remembered as a passionate advocate, a prolific writer, and an attentive family member. The family extends a special thank you to Greenwood House Senior Healthcare in Ewing for their wonderful care and friendship they extended to Raymond  during his stay. Raymond leaves to mourn his son, Byron; his younger brother, Billy; his niece and nephew Leslie and Rongy; his cousins, Betty and Angelina; his close family friend and neighbor, Nancy, and her children Amethyst and.Ann.a.Liza; and a host of extended family and friends. 

Funeral service will be 11am Friday, March 29, 2024 at Hughes Funeral Home, 324 Bellevue Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618. Calling hours will be 9am until the time of service. Interment will be 1:30pm Monday, April 1, 2024 at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA.

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