Dennis P. Taylor, 72, of Aurora, passed away on Monday, October 23, 2023, at Ascension Mercy Medical Center. He was born August 31, 1951, in East St. Louis, Illinois.
Dennis was raised on the Southside of Chicago but made his home in Aurora for the past fifty years. He was a devoted member of St. Rita of Cascia Church for over forty-five years.
Dennis was the owner and President of Diversity Packaging of Troy, Michigan, for the last twenty-three years. He loved the game of basketball, having played it for Northern Illinois University and later overseas for the Marathon Oil AAU Basketball club team. For many years, he could be found playing on the courts of the YMCA, Aurora Park District, the Vaughn Center in Aurora, or refereeing games in the Aurora area.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-one years, LaVerne (Strickland) Taylor; his father, William Sherman; two sons, William (Avlon) Taylor, COL Richard (Nelly) Taylor, Sr.; seven grandchildren, Tamia Taylor, Gavielle Taylor, Savion Taylor, Jordan Taylor, Alexa Taylor, Jack Taylor, Richard Taylor, Jr.; two sisters, Loretta (Babatunde) Davies, Sherri Holmes; two brothers, Gary Taylor, Vincent Sherman; many favorite nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel Mae (Woolfolk) Sherman, and his brother, James Sherman.
Funeral mass will be held Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Rita of Cascia Church; Fr. Oscar Cortés will officiate with interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
In-state visitation will be held Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM at St Rita of Cascia Church, 750 Old Indian Trail Road, Aurora, IL 60506. Please send flowers directly to the church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 North Lake Street, Aurora, Illinois 60506. (630) 631-5500.
Please visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may sign the guest book or leave condolences for Dennis' family.