Richard James Taylor, 70, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 24, 2022. Richard was born on July 15, 1952 in Elyria, OH to Charles and Wilda Taylor. The fourth of five boys, Richard spent his early years in Grafton and eventually his family settled in LaGrange. There and everywhere he went, he made a name for himself. Once you met Richard (aka Rich, Richie, RJ, Big Rich etc.), you never forgot him. He was truly one of a kind. After attending Keystone High School and ultimately earning his G.E.D., Richard worked for his father's Sohio gas station in North Ridgeville. There he began to hone his skills as a mechanic. Richard continued his career as a skilled mechanic, working for the Elyria Fire Department and the City of Elyria and was President of the AFSCME Local 277. After suffering a life changing injury in his thirties, Richard retired as Head of Central Maintenance for the City. He may have retired young, but Rich never stopped working. His garage remained open to friends and family until his dying day. "The Building" was the perfect place for group projects, man banter, parties, and a lot of laughs. He made friends and family feel welcome and taken care of. If you were in a bind, Rich was the guy to call. If it needed fixed "I'll tell you right now," he'd try and fix it for you. If he couldn't fix it, he'd figure out who could. Rich loved a good project, but he also liked to enjoy himself. Some of his favorite hobbies included golfing, boating, going to the races and the list goes on and on. Always the life of the party, Rich found himself a part of many social circles throughout his life. From Grafton & LaGrange to Westlake Yacht Club, Normantown, WV and Englewood, FL. Richard made countless friends. The memories made and time spent with these friends were some of his most cherished. Rich's most coveted roles came with being a Husband, Dad, Grandpa/ Papaw. Sue and Rich were the pair of all pairs. Sue the host and Richard the cheerleader. When the boys were growing up Richard was a member of the Midview Touchdown Club. He was always the loudest in the stands. Continuing on into the boys' adult lives, Richard provided unwavering support for them no matter where their roads lead. He was their guide, their hero, and their friend. On top of being a wonderful dad, he was an amazing Grandpa and Papaw. A big softie at heart, there's nothing he wouldn't do for his grandkids. No matter how big or small the moment, he made sure they knew he was proud of them and that they were each loved unconditionally. A trusted father, friend, brother, uncle and so much more to so many, Rich's door was always open. He will be missed beyond words. Richard is survived by two sons Travis (Michele) and Scott (Kelly), his grandchildren Hannah, Grace, Elijah, Madeline, and Caleb, brothers Charles (Darlene), John (Pat), and James, as well as several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Susan, parents Charles and Wilda Taylor and brother Ronald Taylor. Family will receive friends 4-8 PM Friday, September 30, 2022 at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at St. Rt. 57), Elyria 440-322-4626. Funeral services will be held 10AM Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the First Baptist Church of LaGrange 200 Church St. LaGrange, OH 44050. Burial will be in River Rd. Cemetery (LaGrange Twp.).Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.laubenthalmercado.com