Peter P. Taylor

ATHOL- Peter P. Taylor, 91, of Athol, died Tuesday, March 27, at the Highlands Long Term Care Center. Mr. Taylor was born October 13, 1926, in Athol, son of the late LeRoy R. And Lottie E. (Page) Taylor. He graduated from Athol High School in 1945. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Mr. Taylor started playing the accordian at age 13 and continued to play throughout his life. He opened Pete Taylor’s Dance Orchestra in 1944 and continued into the 1970’s. He worked for the L.S. Starrett Company for 37 years before his retirement. He was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, served as Jr. Warden, and served on the Vestry for many years. He was past President of the Athol High School Alumni Association, served as Secretary of the Massachusetts Society Protection of Cruelty to Children, and was a member of Edward H. Phillips American Legion Post #102 in Athol. His wife of 70 years, Shirley L. (Merriam) Taylor, died January 24, 2017. He leaves two sons, Jeffrey Taylor and his wife, Susan of Richmond, NH, and Gregory Taylor and his wife, Susan of Westminster; one daughter, Ardis Schuele and her husband, Karl of Beaufort, NC; nine grandchildren, Trevor, Reuben, Jennifer, Julie, Justin, Stephanie, Ethan, William, and Adrian; twelve great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Makayla, Bryson, Joshua, Emma, Zoe, Taylor, Bella, Reuel, Mei, Ellen, and Maria. Calling hours will be held Monday, April 2, from 9:30 to 11:30 A.M. at Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main St., Athol. The funeral Mass will follow at 12:00 Noon at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 15 Park Ave., Athol. Burial will follow at Silver Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made St. John's Episcopal Church, 15 Park Ave., Athol, MA 01331.