Obituary: John "Jack" Major Taylor V, 83, Newport Police Officer, Portsmouth Leader

John (Jack) Major Taylor V, 83, of Portsmouth passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at The Grand Islander in Middletown, RI.

Born on April 4, 1932 in Newport RI, Jack leaves his loving wife Margaret (Peggy) Norton Taylor of 41 years. He is also survived by his daughter, Lorrie Taylor Burns and her husband Timothy Burns of Portsmouth; his son John Major Taylor VI and his fiancée Angel Ditman of Cummings, GA; grandchildren John Major Taylor VII, Michael Patrick Taylor, Terrence Reid Burns, Timothy Kyle Burns and Taylor Lila Burns, nieces Amy Norton-Mulready and her husband Tom, Tracy Costa and her husband Mark, nephew Bill Norton and his wife Beth; great-nieces Sydney and Gillian Costa and great-nephews Benjamin Costa and Timothy Norton; and cousins. Jack also leaves his faithful canine friend, Nellie.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents John Major Taylor and Lucia (Sullivan) Taylor; brother James L. Taylor and sister Mary E. Taylor.

Jack grew up in the Fifth Ward, was a graduate of De La Salle Academy and Salve Regina University.

Jack was a Newport Police Officer for 28 years retiring as an Inspector in 1983. He enjoyed his years on the force with his many wonderful fellow police officers. After his retirement Jack worked for the Portsmouth School Department for ten years.

Jack was the past Portsmouth Town Sergeant and was a member of the Portsmouth School Committee for many years. He was past president of Newport Kiwanis Club, member of the Lions Club, Seaconnet Sportsman’s Club, Past Chairman and current member of Portsmouth Democratic Town Committee. Jack was a true Democrat, a loyal Boston Red Sox fan and always considered himself a Newporter.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, August 14 at the O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring Street, Newport, RI from 4-7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, August 15, 2015 at St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Rd. Portsmouth at 10 am. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery, Brown’s Lane, Middletown.

Memorial donations may be made to Portsmouth Fire Department, 2300 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871 or to Newport FOP, Attn. Police Relief, Newport Police Station, 120 Broadway, Newport RI 02840.