David Mattocks “Dave” Taylor
November 18, 1946 - May 2, 2025
David Mattocks “Dave” Taylor, age 78, of Middletown, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Friday, May 2, 2025.
Born in New Castle, PA on November 18, 1946, he was a son of the late David M. and Ellen (Tiernan) Taylor. Dave and his family moved to Dana, IN, and Niagara Falls, NY, before settling in Newark in 1958. He was a graduate of Christiana High School with the class of 1965, and continued his education at the University of Delaware, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Education.
From 1969 until 1971, Dave proudly served in the United States Army in South Korea during the Vietnam War. He would later be activated stateside during Desert Storm in 1991, and served in the United States Army Reserve, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1997. During his time in the military, Dave received the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
Dave began his career in education with the Colonial School District at William Penn High School, New Castle, DE, in 1971 as a teacher. During his 35-year career, in addition to teaching, he worked as an associate principal and work study program coordinator, and coached football, baseball, and softball. He helped lead eight State Champion teams as an assistant football coach and was the head baseball coach for State Champion teams in 1977-1978. Dave was inducted to William Penn High School’s Hall of Fame in 2016.
In 1975, Dave returned to the University of Delaware to earn his Master’s degree in education. He then attended Delaware Law School, receiving his Juris Doctor in 1981. Dave later earned a Certificate in Equine Management from Cecil College in 2022. Along with his career in education, he enjoyed his work as an attorney in private practice, and later as the owner of D & B Racing Stable, a successful harness racing business established in 2022.
A lifelong devout Catholic, Dave was a parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church in New Castle for nearly 50 years. He also served as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at the church. Dave took great delight in traveling; his favorite trips were to Florida, Hawaii, Alaska, and historical sites in the United States. He loved visiting Delaware beaches, spending many enjoyable hours surf fishing, kayaking, metal detecting, catching crabs with the grandkids, and walking the boardwalks. Dave especially enjoyed attending bandstand concerts throughout the summer. In his spare time, he could often be found golfing, skiing, or watching his horses race at Dover Downs or Harrington harness racing tracks.
Dave also completed many woodworking projects for his home and the family beach house. He could often be found cheering on his favorite Philadelphia and University of Delaware sports teams. In addition to his many hobbies, Dave served as president of the edU Federal Credit Union, was chair of the Delaware Pension Advisory Council, and was an active member of the Delaware Retired School Personnel Association (DRSPA).
Dave waged an eight-year battle against Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and was greatly strengthened by his participation in the YMCA’s Livestrong program offered through the Middletown, DE YMCA.
Dave is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Patricia Sweezy Taylor; children, Michael D. Taylor (Anette) of Fairfield, CT, and Joseph W. Taylor (April) of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Nathaniel, Henry, Gabriel, Emma, and William; brothers, William M. Taylor (Maria) of Newark and James R. Taylor (Dennis Coen) of Mechanicsville, VA; and nieces, Christina Linauts (Andris), Madeleine, and Caroline.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 am on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, 801 North Dupont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE, with reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dave’s memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, at the address listed above; or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 22324, New York, NY 10087 or online by clicking here; or to Warriors Helping Warriors, 104 South Broad Street, Middletown, DE 19709 or online by clicking here.
Sydney Goldberg
Always remember the good times together. Dave was a great person.
Patricia Reinbold
I remember Dave from Work Study at WP. He was such a nice person. Had no idea how full his life was, always reaching higher and higher. May he Rest in Peace. 🙏🏻
Carletta Martinsen
I am deeply saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. My condolences to all of his family and loved ones. He will be missed. ❤️
Janice Pendleton
Thinking of you and your family during this time of sorrow. I’m deeply sorry for your loss. Dave was always so kind to me every time I saw him.
Dave Christian
My tenure at William Penn, was slightly before Dave started teaching there. I heard many fond stories from friends of mine who had him as a teacher.
Martha and I moved next-door to the Taylor’s 17 years ago and they have been great neighbors since. Godspeed Dave 🙏
Joan Elliott Phillips
Dave was a super nice fellow. He lead a very accomplished life. My deepest sympathy to Pat and the entire family. Classmate from CHS65, Joan Elliott Phillips
Bub Hackney
I’ll miss you Dave! We’ve been football buddies since 1960… 8th grade, school buddies, college buddies, flying buddies, army buddies, golf buddies and lunch buddies while watching each others’ back during our illnesses. You are a true best friend for more than ten decades!
Bub
Ruth Leasure Eastburn
I remember dear Dave as one of the good guys at Christiana High School. He led such a wonderful life and accomplished so much good. Watch over us Dave from your new home.
Carole Malone
Dave was a great person who will truly be missed. Deepest sympathy and prayers to his family
Jeff Thomas
Pat I am so sorry. Dave was a great guy, a friend you could depend on and respect. I have many fond memories from our high school days. That’s how I will remember him.
Tom Cunane
WE HAD A LOT OF FUN AT OGLETOWN AND CHRISTIANA RIP
Dan Vitalo
Dave coached 2 of our 3 children in sports at William Penn . Danny Vitalo in football where he played with Dave and Patricia’s son Joe . Laura ( Vitalo ) Burns in softball . They both loved having him as a coach ! Dave was an even better human being and will be missed RIP . Dan Vitalo
Bruce Reynolds
My sincere condolences to Pat, Mike and Joe.
Dave was a longtime and great friend of mine. I will miss his infectious laugh and his always upbeat and positive demeanor. Dave was a smart, talented and accomplished man. He excelled in so many areas. He was a terrific coach in baseball, football and softball. I had the privilege of working with him in football for 30 years. Loyalty, integrity and skill were only a few of his best qualities. I am terribly saddened by the loss of my good friend, but I know I will always remember and keep him in my mind and heart forever.
I truly love my dear friend and his great family.
Bruce
Ed Short
My condolences to the Taylor family. Dave was a great colleague and a remarkable educator. Dave always had time to talk and led by example.
Kanika Kassadoih
My compassion to the entire Taylor family. May his soul rest in peace.
Barry Townsend
My heart felt condolences to Pat and family. A good friend and colleague during our tenure at William. May he rest in all his glory.
Douglas Hill
Nila and I were deeply saddened to hear that Dave passed away. I first met Dave about a decade ago when he joined our small group of retired educators for lunch each month. Our wives joined the group soon after. Over the years, our conversations revealed many of his interests, talents and warm personality. We will miss Dave and send our heartfelt sympathy to Pat and family.
Joan musser
Condolences to the family. I know Dave will be missed.
I remember him fondly as a great person and a wonderful classmate.
Christiana high school – class of 1965.
Cathy Zimmerman
I was sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I graduated from Christiana H S with Dave. I reconnected with him when I started working in the William Penn cafeteria and one of my boys started teaching there.
We will miss Dave at the luncheons that he was great at organizing.
RIP Dave.
Bill Carty
My condolences to Pat, Michael and Joe. Dave was a wonderful person and colleague. May he rest in peace.
Miranda Matthews
Pat and family, thank you for sharing such lovely photos. Dave had a great smile. When we’d both Christmas carol in Historic New Castle, we’d always end up in the back of the crowd. We’d chat. I looked forward to those every year. I’m so sorry for everyone’s loss. My heart goes out to you.
Maureen Minn Tucker
I was shocked and so sad to hear of Dave’s passing. He was an excellent, accomplished man who was always helpful and enjoyable to be around. He never failed to contribute to my granddaughter’s fundraisers for our Alma Mater, Christiana High School, and those of us in the Class of ’65 appreciate his dedication to keeping us in touch with each other. The world, his family, and friends have lost a wonderful person.
Susan Flook
Pat and family, I’m very sorry for your loss. Dave had “joie de vivre” which kept him going and achieving. I’m glad I had the chance to work with Dave in the Work Study office at Wm. Penn. Your photo collection shows how very much he cared about his family. Thanks for sharing that. God bless you all.
Bob Evancho
Dave was a colleague at both William Penn High School and the edU Credit Union. Working with him was productive and enjoyable. As an educator, Credit Union President, coach, and husband/parent, Dave not only did things right, he did the right thing. Our condolences to Pat, Mike, Joe and the entire Taylor family.
Jane Segal
I would like to express my condolences to Dave’s family. I knew Dave through our Zoom support group. He was always such a supportive member of the group, always offering us such good advice. I loved hearing about his horses. So very sorry that I was not able to attend his memorial service. Prayers for you and your family Patricia.