Jerry Taylor Passes

Published: October 22, 2013 12:39 pm EDT

Jerome Taylor, one of the leading standardbred owners of the Brandywine, Liberty Bell Park and early Meadowlands era, unexpectedly passed away, at age 82, on October 19 at his home in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.

Taylor was one of Philadelphia’s most dynamic and extremely successful trial-lawyers. He is well remembered as a ‘no nonsense’ person and strong family figure. The Taylors were regulars each summer at Brandywine Raceway. Taylor also was a big Philadelphia Phillies fan.

Taylor owned a number of top pacers, including the ill-fated Mister Karamia, Devils Adversary, Exotic Earl, Move Feet Move, H A Taylor, Sunny Disposition and Jack Kiser, whom he named for his friend, a controversial Philadelphia harness writer. His last prominent horse was Sands A Flyin, winner of the Niatross at the Meadowlands at two. The pacer is now a successful stallion Down Under.

Fast pacer Leander Lobell was Taylor’s first horse. He became disenchanted with trotters, when his first, Jerry T, had difficulty staying on stride. After that, Taylor turned down becoming a partner in two trotters that went on to win the Hambletonian, Giant Victory and Continental Victory.

Hall of Famers Herve Filion and Del Cameron, along with Charlie Fitzpatrick, Bob Stiles, Mack Hayman and Butch Iancale, were among those who trained horses for Taylor.

Taylor was eulogized at morning services at Goldstein Funeral Home in Philadelphia by his son, leading horse owner Howard Taylor, daughter Susan Schneider, granddaughter, Aubrey Taylor and Morton Kline, president of Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) told the large assemblage, which also contained a number of harness horsemen, an insight in one of many charities Jerry Taylor supported.

Former governor of Pennsylvania and mayor of Philadelphia and Democratic National Chairman Ed Rendell, and comedian Jackie Mason, and his longtime friend from youth, Rabbi Solomon Issacson, who officiated at the service, were among many of Taylor’s close friends.

Taylor is survived by his wife of 59 years, Judith, son, Howard, daughter Susan, Philip, a brother, and five granddaughters.

Taylor was laid to rest at Roosevelt Memorial Park in Northeast Philadelphia, on October 20.

In lieu of flowers, the Taylor family suggests contributions to Zionist Organization of America, or to a charity of your choice.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Jerry Taylor.

(Dover Downs)

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