Obituary of Philip A. Taft

Philip A. Taft, 89, of Jamestown, passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2016 in WCA Hospital with his granddaughter by his side. He was the husband of Donna Peterson Taft, whom he married June 19, 1948. Philip was born January 14, 1927 in Warren, Pa., one of eight children of the late Harry and Ida Brunner Taft. A graduate of Warren High School, he served in the US Navy aboard the USS Fall River CA-131. He had been employed by MRC/SKF in Jamestown for 36 years as the supervisor in Special Services for Research and Development, retiring in 1987. He had previously been employed as a lab technician at the United Refinery in Warren, Pa. Philip was a member of the Vikings Ingjald Lodge #65, where he was a past Chief and Grand Chief, and also sang in the Viking Male Chorus. He also bartended at the Viking downtown and summer lodges through the years. He enjoyed many summers on the porch with family and friends at the Viking trailer park. Philip had a passion for golf, cooking, tinkering in the garage, birds and gardening. In addition to his wife, Donna, surviving are two daughters, Nancy (Bill) Curry and Susan (Michael McKenzie) Taft, both of Jamestown; daughter-in-law, Debbie Taft of Jamestown; granddaughter, Lisa LaRusch (and fiancée, Charlie Piazza) of Falconer; and a sister, Barbara Williams of Youngsville, Pa.; along with many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly and he treated as his own. He was preceded in death by a son, Larry W. Taft; three sisters, Marion, Delores and Bette Taft; and three brothers, Walter, Kenneth and Gilbert Taft. A private family gathering and celebration of Philip's life will take place this Sunday at Donna's home. A combined graveside service will take place at a later date upon Donna's passing, as per the couples' joint wishes. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Roger Tory Peterson Institute; or the Village of Falconer Volunteer Fire Department.