Robert E. Taylor ’53

Bob, who balanced his life between New York and Scotland for many years, died Dec. 8, 2022, in New Paltz, N.Y. 

He was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, and came to Princeton after graduating from St. Joseph (Mo.) Central High School. He joined Colonial Club, majored in politics, and wrote his thesis on “British Foreign Policy in the Middle East.” 

Moving to New York City after graduation, Bob began a career in banking and eventually became vice president for personal banking at Morgan Guaranty. He married Jane Keating, a senior copywriter at Young & Rubicam, bought an old farm in Ulster County, added two sons to the family, and became deeply involved in the Westminster Kennel Club. That rich and fulfilling life changed suddenly when they stayed one night at Ardsheal House on the west coast of Scotland and were offered the chance to buy the place. They spent the night debating the challenge, and returned to New York to resign from their banking and advertising lives and become host and hostess to travelers — including your memorialist, who saw an ad in the Alumni Weekly and dropped in on the Taylors with his wife for an unforgettable visit. 

Bob and Jane returned to New York from November to March to catch up with friends and play a major role in the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Returning full time to New York and their New Paltz farmhouse after 18 years, Bob became involved in local affairs, serving on the boards of the library and Wallkill Valley Land Trust. 

Predeceased by Jane after 57 years of marriage, Bob is survived by their two sons, two daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren.