With faith and extraordinary courage, Harry Ellsworth Taylor departed this earthly life at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, following a period of declining health. He faced his final days surrounded by the love of those dearest to him and has now found peace among the family and friends who welcomed him home into eternal rest.
Harry grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut, where he met Lynda when she was 18 and he was 22. They married the following year and built a life together shaped first by their educational pursuits and his corporate career, and later by their deep commitment to family.
The many moves throughout their married life were eagerly anticipated and embraced as opportunities for adventure, new friendships, and experiences in different communities.
Their life together began in Farmington, Connecticut, before moving to the Elmira, New York area, followed by Boston; Wallingford and Madison, Connecticut; and later Wyomissing, Pennsylvania.
Harry eventually returned to the Boston area, where he settled in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts in 1986 and raised his family there.
His devotion to family will always be remembered through the love he gave as a husband, father to Allison, Trevor, and Jason, and grandfather to Stafford, Carolina, Brooks, and Conrad.
Harry had a warm demeanor and a positive outlook on life. He was both a teacher and a student, always eager to learn and to share his knowledge.
Exceptionally patient with others, he persevered tirelessly in pursuit of his goals. He was a focused and dependable problem-solver who consistently approached challenges with vision and determination.
Harry earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he formed lifelong friendships as a proud member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
He continued his education by earning a Master of Science degree in Feedback Controls from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School, where he concentrated in Marketing and Finance.
His many interests reflected his intellectual curiosity, mechanical aptitude, artistic creativity, and refined tastes, all of which enriched both his personal and professional life. He possessed a dry wit and a deep affinity for Ireland, proudly holding dual American and Irish citizenship through his ancestry.
In his youth, Harry enjoyed competitive wrestling, swimming, tennis, and recreational skiing.
The spaces he shaped through his architectural renderings stand as a testament to his artistic talent, with each design bearing the mark of his hand and heart.
Finance and investing were lifelong passions inspired by his father. He was also known for his love of Formula 1 racing and sought opportunities to attend races in person during his travels.
During the years of the Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, New York, he enjoyed capturing the excitement of the events through photography.
Harry began his professional career as an engineer for Chandler Evans, a division of Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut, where he designed critical hydromechanical and control systems for the TOW missile system. He later advanced to Senior Engineer in Research and Development at Corning Glass Works.
His passion for learning and innovation led him to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he pursued a full-time MBA at Harvard Business School, graduating in 1974.
Following graduation, he began a distinguished career with USM Corporation, the original parent company from which Emhart Fastening Teknologies / Global was created and evolved. His work spanned decades of collaboration with business associates, cultivation of strategic partnerships, and extensive international travel. He especially enjoyed flying aboard the Concorde on some of his transatlantic journeys.
Inspired by Clayton Christensen’s teachings at Harvard Business School on disruptive innovation, Harry later established the Manchester Consulting Group, where he focused on applying marketing and manufacturing strategy to both high-tech ventures and acquisitions within mature industries.
Following his retirement, Harry authored numerous articles published in fastener industry journals and publications. As an inventor, he successfully developed and was awarded U.S. and international patents for several blind rivet fastening designs, tooling systems, and setting methods.
Above all, Harry was deeply devoted to his family. He wholeheartedly supported his children in their studies, careers, sports, and business ventures and was always ready with trusted and valued advice.
Harry especially enjoyed dedicating his time to managing AAA Boston youth hockey teams for his son Trevor’s travel league programs. Practices, games, and tournaments became an important part of family life.
Harry was predeceased by his youngest son, Jason Alexander Taylor, in 2016, and by his parents, Henry and Matilda Taylor.
He leaves behind his devoted wife, Lynda Weston Taylor, a steady and loving presence throughout his life; his cherished children, daughter Allison Taylor Mannle and son Trevor Harrison Taylor; his son-in-law, Ryan Mannle; and his four beloved grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sister, Claire Taylor Cassella, and nieces, Megan Cassella Hand and Kate Cassella Kirk.
It is with love and gratitude that our family will remember and honor his life in a private celebration.
