Jay Robert Taylor

Born on May 5, 1934, in Waterbury, Connecticut, Jay lived a remarkable life defined by intelligence, accomplishment, generosity, and, above all, love for his family.

Before receiving his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, Jay served in the United States Army in Korea. He began his career in sales and eventually built an independent sales business from the ground up. Always looking for a way to do things better, Jay earned his pilot’s license so he could fly himself to appointments and cover more ground than he ever could on the road. That same determination, ingenuity, and resourcefulness stayed with him throughout his career.

Jay went on to build an extraordinarily successful career in the highway industry. He became CEO of a company that manufactured reflective sheeting and later served as Chairman of the American Road and Builders Transportation Association. Even after retirement, Jay continued to share his knowledge and experience, serving on the boards of several companies and coaching executives through TEC of Florida, where he helped business leaders learn how to build and run successful organizations.

For Jay, knowledge was never something to keep to himself. He genuinely loved helping others succeed. He gave generously of his time, wisdom, and experience, and the impact he had on the people he mentored extended far beyond the boardroom.

Everyone who had the privilege of knowing Jay seemed to come away with the same impression: he was exceptionally brilliant, deeply respected, and unforgettable.

But as accomplished as Jay was in his professional life, his greatest source of pride was his family.

Jay shared 49 beautiful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Rebecca. Together, they raised their family in the suburbs of Chicago and created a life filled with love, laughter, adventure, and countless memories. Jay and Rebecca especially cherished their summers on Lake Michigan, where they spent their days boating and sailing together. Their partnership was a beautiful testament to devotion, companionship, and enduring love.

After retiring, Jay and Rebecca made Naples, Florida, their home, where Jay enjoyed the later years of his life. He loved golf, boating, and his Welsh Corgis, but nothing brought him greater happiness than being surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He took enormous pride in each of them and treasured every moment he was able to spend with his family.

Jay is survived by his children: his oldest daughter, Lauryn, and her husband, Chris, and their son, Dylan; his son, Lee, and his wife, Andrea, and their children, Hannah and Molly; his daughter, Stefanie, and her husband, Jason, and their children, Taylor, Savannah, and Ben; and his daughter, Julie, and her children, Cash, Rocco, Angelina, and Maverick, and her stepson, AJ. He is also survived by his brother, Paul, and his wife, Margaret.

Jay leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, achievement, and generosity. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched. His memory will live on in the people he loved, the lessons he shared, and the countless lives he made better simply by being part of them.

Condolences may be sent to [email protected].