Charles Taylor Longtime Massapequa resident and Nassau County Parks employee, Charles D. Taylor, Sr., died Jan. 16, 2010 at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip. He was 77.

He was born Sept. 19, 1932 in Birmington, Alabama to Thomas and Mary Francis (Baughn) Bolognese. He had lived in Florida before moving to Elmont, then Ann Rose Street in Massapequa where he lived for 49 years.

Mr. Taylor was retired after 30 years with the Nassau County Parks Department as a supervisor in the sign shop. According to his wife Florence, he loved to go saltwater fishing and was an avid woodworker.

A decorated soldier, he served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1953 and earned a Purple Heart, a Combat Infantry Badge and Occupational Medal Japan, a Korean Service Medal with Bronze Service Stars, a United Nations Service Medal and a Presidential Unit Citation. He spent eight weeks in Leader’s school in Fort Dix, New Jersey, and eight weeks in Leader’s school with the 7th Calvary Regiment at Camp Crawford, Japan.

In addition to his wife, he leaves behind his children: Charlie, Jr. and his wife Catherine of Amityville, Joseph and his wife Barbara of Lindenhurst, and W. Alexander and his wife Christine of West Babylon. His grandchildren, Charlie III, Christina, Joseph, Justin, Jonathan and William Alex II also survive him.

A Mass of Christian Burial was said at Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church, Massapequa, Jan. 20, 2010. Interment followed in National Cemetery at Calverton with military honors. Arrangements were under the care of Powell Funeral Home, Amityville.

Donations in Mr. Taylor’s name can be sent to the Wounded Warriors Project, 370 7th Ave., Floor 3, Room 320, NY, NY 10001 or to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250.