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Harrington Fire Company Mourns the Passing of Past Chief, Past EMS Captain and Past President Robert E. Taylor
Wednesday, May 26, 2021

It is with deepest regret that the Harrington Fire Company Announce the Passing of Past Chief, Past EMS Captain and Past President Robert E. “Bobby” Taylor who answered his last alarm on Wednesday May 26 2021.

Robert E. Taylor joined the Harrington Fire Company in April 1961. He was a graduate of Harrington High School in 1956 and then graduated from Goldey Beacom School of Business. Chief Taylor served in the Army National Guard from 1958 to 1968 obtaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant. In 2012 Bob earned the honor of receiving his 50 year Active member status with the Harrington Fire Company. Bob served as Fire Chief in 1983 and 1984, President in 1969 and Ambulance Captain in 1971 and 1972. He received Fireman of the Year for the fire company in 1991. He has been a member of the Kent County Firefighters Association and the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association since 1961. Also during his over 50 years of service, Bob served the Board of Directors and numerous committees. Since 1902 Chief Taylor is only one of four members of the company to hold all three offices of Chief, President and EMS Captain. Chief Taylor’s son Rob is also one of the four members. Bob’s wife Betty is a Life Member and Past President of the Harrington Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary.

Bob was also an icon within the Harrington community. Bob worked at the family business of Taylors Hardware Company, a business that lasted over 70 years. Bob was President of the company from 1984 until his retirement in 2006. Bob was on the Board of Directors for the Delaware Better Business Bureau from 1978 to 1984, First President of the Delmarva FIFE Federal Credit Union from 1987 to 1991, President of the Harrington Chamber of Commerce in 1984, Pennsylvania Atlantic Seaboard Hardware Association Board of Directors from 1985-1991. As well as serving on the Advisory Board of the Servistar Cooperation from 1988 to 1990 and he was President to the Harrington Business Association in 1995. As if this was not enough, Bob was a charter member of the Harrington Jaycees and served as President in 1963, 1965 and 1970. He has been a member of the Loyal Order of Moose since 1987 and has served on the Board of Directors for the Delaware State Fair since 1987 and this year was honored as an honorary director. Bob has been a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church since 1950. Bob was also a member and Past President of the Harrington Lions Club.

All of these listed accomplishments above have been done mostly while being married to his wife Betty for 58 years and raising three children Teresa, Rob and Mary Kaye. Bob’s son Rob has followed in his father’s footsteps and is a Past President, Past Chief and Current EMS Captain of the Harrington Fire Company.

Chief Taylor is one of the pioneers of the Harrington Fire Company and trained and mentored many of our members over the years. With his leadership and dedication he is one of the members that have made the Harrington Fire Company what it is today. We ask that that you keep the Harrington Fire Company and the Taylor Family in your thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.