LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the life and accomplishments of
Raymond J. Taylor, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Raymond J. Taylor of Westerleigh, New York died on Monday,
April 4, 2011, at the age of 79; and
WHEREAS, Born on Staten Island, Raymond J. Taylor joined the United
States Navy immediately after graduating from Port Richmond High School
and served two years aboard the USS Barton during the Korean War; and
WHEREAS, Raymond J. Taylor distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, After his tour in the Navy and a brief stint with Consol-
idated Edison, Raymond J. Taylor joined the New York City Police Depart-
ment in 1957; as a result of his outstanding police work, he was quickly
promoted to detective; and
WHEREAS, Following a remarkable career as a detective third grade,
Raymond J. Taylor was recognized as an expert on organized crime and was
instrumental in starting the NYPD's Joint Organized Crime Task Force in
the late 1960s; and
WHEREAS, After retiring from the NYPD, Raymond J. Taylor opened a
luncheonette with his wife, Joan, in West Brighton, New York; and
WHEREAS, Soon after, Raymond J. Taylor saw the need for an Irish store
on Staten Island; he opened the Claddagh Shop, and it soon became a
popular location for the Irish individuals of West Brighton and the rest
of Staten Island; and
WHEREAS, The Claddagh Shop also became the headquarters for Staten
Island's St. Patrick's Day Parade; one of the personal highlights of
Raymond J. Taylor's life was leading the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
down Forest Avenue as Grand Marshal in 1992; and
WHEREAS, Raymond J. Taylor's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity carried over into all fields of enterprise, including chari-
table and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Deeply involved in the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the
Liam Hannon Irish Northern Aid Division, Raymond J. Taylor was also a
member of the AOH Emerald Society, the Irish National Caucus, the Center
for Independent Living, and On Your Mark; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Raymond J. Taylor chaired a golf outing for 15
years that raised significant funds for the Seton Foundation; in 2004,
he was chosen Man of the Year for his charitable efforts on behalf of
the Deborah League; and
WHEREAS, Raymond J. Taylor is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan;
his two sons, Raymond and Sean; a daughter, Maureen Pakalik; a sister,
Gerri Donohue; and seven grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Raymond J. Taylor leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the life and accomplishments of Raymond J. Taylor, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Raymond J. Taylor.