Samuel G. Taggart died peacefully at home on Friday, April 12, 2013. He would have been married 50 years to Joycemary (Ragusa) Taggart on June 15, of this year.
Sam and Joyce took enormous pride in their three children Shawn (Catherine) Taggart, Christopher (Elizabeth) Taggart and Samantha (Anthony) Byrkett and their grandchildren Keith, Kyle, Payten, Nicole, Alec, Devin and Roman. Sam is survived by one much loved brother Alexander (Alice) Taggart and his brother-in-law Victor J. Ragusa; also a sister-in-law Beverly Taggart, his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved parents Alec and Sarah Taggart, sister Sheila Giglio and brother William Taggart.
Sam was the listener whose humor and kindness inspired his family and friends. Some will remember his impressive performance on a basketball court. Some will know of the wilderness community in California that Sam helped build despite the loss of his leg, and some will tell how he hand-fed the bears who trusted him after a wildfire destroyed part of that area. All should remember him as a gentleman whose dignity and grace defined him. Sam always tried to give back to the community of Ephratah, which he and Joyce felt blessed to reside in during their retirement years.
A celebration of the life of this lovely man will be held at the convenience of the family later in the year and will be open to all wishing to attend. Condolences can be sent to 398 Murry Hill Road, St. Johnsville, N.Y. 13452 or [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sam’s name can be made to St. Peter’s ALS Regional Center, 19 Warehouse Row, Albany, N.Y. 12205.
