Charles E. "Charlie" Taylor

Charles E. Taylor, a lifelong resident of Needham died on Friday, December 2nd at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He was 91 years old. Born and raised in Needham, he was a graduate of Needham High School Class of 1939. Charlie joined the US Air Force and became a Crew Chief. He flew in World War II, participating in the Invasion of Normandy for 5-6 days and afterwards again picking up the wounded there. Charlie worked for American Steel and Aluminum where he spent almost 40 years as an Industrial Engineer. Prior to that, he was an engineer with Ward Steel for 10 years.
Charlie was a founding Little League coach back in 1952. He was a Past Commander of the Lt. Manson H. Carter VFW Post 2498 in Needham and went on to be a District Commander, and was responsible for up to 50 VFW Posts.
Charlie joined Masonry in 1949 and was quite active in several Masonic orders
He was a member of Norfolk Lodge for over 61 years. In 2009 he was made "Master for a Moment" by the District Deputy Grand Master and his picture graced the pages of Trowel Magazine. He joined the Scottish Rite Masons and became a member of the stage crew, working backstage for over 50 years. Charlie was active in the Shrine, particularly at Aleppo Temple, AAONMS. He was in the Aides Unit for many years and eventually became the Lieutenant Colonel for the Uniformed Units. He worked his way up to become Chief of Staff for Aleppo Temple. He became an honorary member of the Shrine Clowns Unit in 1990. He took the name "Ping the Clown" and he participated in many parades, parties and MYCHIP events. Charlie was a member of the Charles River Valley Shrine Club, serving one year as President. He was active in Eastern Star, serving in the East as Worthy Patron with his wife Barbara who served as Worthy Matron. Charlie was also a member of the Jesters. He was a member of the Board of the Shriners Hospital in Springfield, MA for ten years.
He was an active member of Carter Memorial Methodist Church. A Past President and longtime member of the Needham Exchange Club, Charlie, had been the long time coordinator of the Exchange Club's senior mystery bus trip; The Sunshine Special He also has served the Club in many capacities, and was Club President in 1985-1986. The Needham Exchange Club honored him in 2010 by naming him the Grand Marshal of the Fourth of July Parade.
Mr. Taylor joined the Needham Bank Board of Directors in 2003 and was a member of the Security Committee. He retired from the Board in April of 2010.
The beloved husband of the late Barbara M. (Burrows), he was the brother of the late Dorothy "Betty" Calitri. He is survived by his niece, Donna Johnston of Dedham and his nephew Edwin W. Calitri of Needham.
His Funeral will be held at the Carter Memorial United Methodist Church, 800 Highland Ave, Needham on Friday December 9th at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held in the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Ave Needham on Thursday from 4-7 PM. Interment with Military Honors will take place at Needham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in Charlie's name may be made to Shriner's Hospitals for Children® — Springfield, 516 Carew St. Springfield, MA 01104.

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