Donald Paul Taylor, Beloved Husband, Father, and Lifelong Adventurer, Passes Away Surrounded by Family

CLEVELAND, OH — With profound sadness, the family of Donald Paul Taylor announces his peaceful passing on July 2nd, surrounded by those he loved most. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and craftsman, Don’s life was a tapestry of adventure, service, and boundless generosity.

Don’s journey was one of movement and meaning. Together with his beloved wife, Kitti, he traveled to nearly all 50 states in a Ford camper van he crafted himself, finding joy in the majesty of national parks and the open road. These trips were not merely vacations—they were pilgrimages of memory-making, shared laughter, and intimate family moments beneath wide skies.

His love for the water led him to captain the “Foul Play,” a sailboat he proudly navigated across Lake Erie and even into Canada, often in pursuit of fine wines and new stories. Whether skillfully steering or learning along the way, Don approached every journey with wonder, curiosity, and his signature sense of humor. These voyages were never about where he went—they were about who he brought along.

Don’s strength and resilience were perhaps most evident in his career. He worked tirelessly at LTV Steel in Cleveland as a steel mill machine operator, forging not just metal but a reputation for dedication and dependability. Later, he followed his entrepreneurial instincts, opening a paint shop in Avon, Ohio, where his eye for detail and perfectionism were reflected in every finished surface.

His talents extended beyond the industrial world into the classroom, where he served as a science teacher, inspiring young minds with his quiet wisdom, patience, and enthusiasm for learning. He was a man who never stopped sharing knowledge—at work, at home, or on the road.

Don’s heart was as big as his sense of adventure. Known for his unwavering kindness, he was the type of man who would stop whatever he was doing to help someone in need—no hesitation, no question. He gave freely, loved deeply, and never let age or circumstance dim his energy.

In his later years, Don remained a steadfast supporter of his children and grandchildren. He tended to his koi pond with care, finding peace in nature and reflection. He and Kitti also welcomed two dogs—Rosie and Kara, a labradoodle and poodle—adding even more light and joy to their home.

Don is reunited in eternal peace with his wife, Kitti (Wiencek); his parents, Theodore and Emily; and his brother, Ted. He leaves behind a legacy that stretches across generations: his sister Marilyn (Lisowski); his children Scott, Christina, and Paul (Lori); his grandchildren Ryan Katz (Kaleigh), Moriah (David), Brandy (Rob), Angela Shulthies (Andy), Adrian (Siang), Curtis, Renee (Zeke), and Corinne; and great-grandchildren Karder, Dawson, Laiken, Kennedy, Nolan, and Layne, along with numerous nieces, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

“Let the winds be fair as you sail on your next adventure.”

Donald Paul Taylor will be remembered not only for the miles he traveled but also for the lives he touched, the love he gave freely, and the legacy he built with quiet strength and open arms. His memory will remain etched in the hearts of all who knew him.