David Arthur Taylor  
Science teacher and coach, lived in North Plainfield, 51 David Arthur Taylor, 51, died on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008, at Overlook Hospital in Summit. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Oct. 13, at 9:45 a.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd. Watchung, followed by an 11 a.m. service at Grace Episcopal Church, 600 Cleveland Ave., Plainfield. Cremation is private. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. To send condolences, please go to www.higgins funeralhome.com. Born in Plainfield, Mr. Taylor grew up in North Plainfield and had lived his whole life there until moving to Watchung last year. He received his bachelor's degree in science and education and his master's degree in health administration from Wilkes College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Prior to his retirement, he worked as an 8th grade science teacher at Edison Intermediate School in Westfield. He also taught 9th grade science at Franklin High School, Somerset. Before his teaching career, he was the director of environmental services at the Frances E. Parker Memorial Home in Piscataway and New Brunswick. Mr. Taylor played basketball at North Plainfield High School and at Wilkes College. He coached J.V. basketball at Franklin High School and enjoyed basketball, swimming and traveling. He is survived by his wife, Lois Kolakowski-Taylor; his sister, Deborah Minker of Florida; a niece, Sarah Taylor Minker of Florida, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 200 Middlesex Turnpike, Iselin, N.J. 08830-2000, or to the American Cancer Society, Memorial Processing Center, 6725 Lyons St., P.O. Box 7, East Syracuse, N.Y. 13057.