Richard Joseph Taylan of Hyde Park, New York, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on January 15, 2026, at age 82. He was born March 21, 1943, in the South Bronx, New York. He was the son of immigrant parents, Abraham "Buddy" G. Taylan of Dingras, Philippines, and Angela (Donato) Taylan of Palermo, Italy, and brother of Eleanor (Taylan) Koffler.

Richard graduated from Kings Park High School on Long Island in 1960 and earned a Bachelor of Science in 1964 and a Master of Science in 1969 from SUNY New Paltz. He shared 53 years of loving marriage with his wife Linda S. (Thien) Taylan and raised two children, Justin and Lindsay, whom he cherished.

For 34 years, Richard inspired students as an earth science teacher at Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School, both at the original building, now Haviland Middle School, and the current high school building in Hyde Park. He also taught the Science Technology Entry Program at his alma mater. After retirement, he continued teaching as an adjunct instructor of geology at Marist College.

Known as "Mr. T" to his students, he inspired countless young people with frequent geology walks to see traces of glaciers and mastodon bones or by peering into a telescope on a cold night to catch a glimpse of Halley's comet or Hale-Bopp. He was always an early adopter of new technology and authored educational materials. Richard also served as a trustee of the Hyde Park Library for 13 years, received a National Science Foundation grant, and was inducted into the Kings Park Hall of Science.

Rick lived by the motto, "Let my works speak for me." He was a problem solver who could tackle any home improvement project. As an artist, his creativity extended to carpentry, poetry, painting, and photography. He took pride in his community and role as an educator in service to others. He explored a lifelong interest in science and technology and was devoted to his family. He is fondly remembered as one of a kind by those who knew him. His curiosity, humor, and wisdom will be missed.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; his children, Justin R. Taylan and Lindsay M. (Taylan) Beever; daughter-in-law, Aline Wilbert; and son-in-law, Kevin Beever.

The community is invited to join Richard's family on Saturday, March 21, 2026—what would have been his 83rd birthday—from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Sweet's Funeral Home in Hyde Park.

In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to listen to The Beatles' "In My Life" and support an educational endeavor or donate to a charity of their choice.