Obituary of Victor C. Taylor

In Memory of Victor C. Taylor – "Captain Vic" June 9, 1935 – October 15, 2014 Vic Taylor, 79, of Naples Florida, peacefully entered into eternal rest, with his daughter by his side. He is survived by his five children, Deb Santagata and husband Nick of Glen Gardner, NJ; Marty MacCollum and wife Lisa of Hillsborough, NJ; Scott Taylor of Encino, CA; Tom Taylor of South Plainfield, NJ and Fran Taylor-Ayers of Phoenix, AZ. Grandchildren Nicholas and Christopher Santagata, Melissa MacCollum, Joe Apostol and wife Jennifer, John Apostol, Nicolette, Natalie and Lucas Taylor. Great Grandchildren – Jackie and Jessica Apostol. Past wives, Rosaline Juliet (mother of their five children) and Patty Taylor (and Granddaughter Gianna Miscovic). Vic is also survived by his cherished friend, Manuel Rodrigues, wife Mirta and sons Manny and Danny of Naples, Florida. Born in New York City, Vic spent his early years between New York, California and New Jersey. He spent most of his early life in New Jersey before moving to Houston, Texas in the early 1970's, and for the past 25 years he resided in Naples, Florida. Vic was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving his country from 1952-1960. He cruised the world on the U.S.S. Caperton. Vic earned many honors during his service in the Navy including the National Defense Service Medal, United Nation Service Medal, Korean War Presidential Unit Citation, Korean War Service Medal and the Navy Occupation Service Medal with EC. Vic also held a license in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1987-2003. After being honorably discharged from the United States Navy, Vic held positions in various industries throughout his career, including transportation, Iron Worker Trade, Food & Beverage, Sports Management, Dock Master and Boat Captain. During the 1970's & 80's Vic was the founder and owner of the Name Dropper Sports Clubs of Houston, Texas. An avid football and hockey fan, Vic enjoyed many years and made many lifelong friendships with the NFL Houston Oilers and NHL Houston Astros. During the mid '80s, Vic moved to Naples Florida where he remained in the Food & Beverage business, and then was drawn back to his love of the sea, he became a boat captain and Dock Master. He is known by many of his friends, colleagues and family as "Captain Vic." Vic loved life and lived it to the fullest. A true gentleman, he cherished time with family and friends. He was very wise, loved to learn, a straight talker and took great pride in doing everything in the most efficient and logical manner. He enjoyed football (his favorite), hockey, golf, fishing, boating, the beach, stock cars, travel, music, Broadway shows, and classic movies. In the past few years Vic also enjoyed Bocce Ball, which he played with his team "The Rookies" of the Landmark Naples Hacker's Club. Just days before Vic's passing, during a visit with his daughter Deb and son in-law Nick, he told them to "Look for me on the horizon-- that is where I will be." This is shared as a token of gratitude to all of his family and friends that loved and cared for him throughout his lifetime. Two services will be held to celebrate his life: Sunday, October 26th from 2-4 pm at the Martin Funeral Home, 1761 Rte 31, Clinton, NJ 08809, blessing at 3:30 p.m. followed by a military honor. After the service, friends and family are invited to the home of Deb and Nick Santagata for a repast. Internment will be private at Franklin Memorial Park, North Brunswick, NJ. January 17, 2015 a celebration of life service and repast will be held at the Landmark Naples, Florida clubhouse from 12-2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society-Multiple Myeloma. Thank you.