Obituary of Ervin R. Taft

Ervin (Dick) Richard Taft passed away peacefully from this life in the afternoon of June 30th 2021 after a gradual decline of health at the age of 91. In his final days, he was surrounded and supported by his loving family and caregivers. Dick is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jeanine. Together they had 8 children: Allison, Vicky (Anne), Anne (Ray, d.), Richard (Vickie), Deborah (Irene), Edward (d.), Rebecca, Pamela (Scott) and 9 grandchildren: Amanda, Darrell (d.), Eric (d.), Brian, Kristin, Joshua, Jennifer, Jeanine and Sean. They also had 20 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Ervin and Sara Jane Taft and his three sisters, Wilma, Catherine and Emadell. He was born on May 29, 1930 in Tuscarora, NY and graduated from Addison High School in 1947. He then joined the U.S. Navy at 17 years old, serving proudly until transitioning to civilian life. Dick and Jeanine grew and raised their family in Los Angeles, CA where he worked for Garrett AiResearch for 25 years. After retirement, they moved full time back to Freeman. Dick made his TV debut in 1986 on The Price Is Right. After winning the Showcase Showdown, he and Jeanine enjoyed a trip to Spain and a boat that never saw water. He was an avid history buff and loved to research family history. He completed Taft family genealogy dating back to 1600. Dick never met a stranger, he would stop to chat with everyone but most of all he loved his family and was happiest being surrounded by all the babies of the family. Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating Dick’s life and share their favorite memories of him; a viewing will be held on Thursday, July 8th from 6-8pm and Friday, July 9th from 10-11am with the funeral immediately after at the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 1607 Main St. Woodhull, NY. Burial will be made in Baxter Cemetery, Town of Tuscarora.