John Berwick Taylor

John Berwick Taylor, a devoted scholar and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, passed away on January 29, 2025, at the age of 82. A memorial service will be held on May 29, 2025 at the Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home (130 Speer Rd, Chestertown, MD 21620) with the gathering starting at noon and the service beginning at 12:30 pm. Born in White Plains, New York, on April 6, 1942, John was the son of Berwick and Elizabeth (Lumbard) Taylor. He graduated from Dickinson College in 1964 and went on to earn both his M.A. and Ph.D. in Political Science from Princeton University, completing his doctorate in 1972. John served with honor as a U.S. Army officer from 1968 to 1971, including two years stationed in Korea. He concluded his military service with the rank of First Lieutenant. In 1972, John joined the faculty of Washington College, where he would leave a lasting impact over nearly four decades. He was a dedicated educator and mentor, serving for more than ten years as Chair of the Political Science Department and holding the esteemed title of Louis L. Goldstein Professor of Political Science. His commitment to teaching excellence was recognized with the Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching in 1989 and the Omicron Delta Kappa Gold Pentagon Award in 2009. He authored The Right to Counsel and Privilege Against Self-Incrimination which was published in 2004. Even after retirement in 2009, he continued to serve the college as interim Provost and Dean in 2011. At home and in retirement, John enjoyed reading books, dabbled in photography, and was a sports fan first and foremost supporting the Yankees and also the Giants and Chelsea Football Club. He supported both sons’ baseball teams and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, also passing along his love for the game to his grandson. He is survived by his wife, Young; his sons, Glenn (and grandchildren Sebastian and Amelia) and Russell (and granddaughter Leah); his sister, Margaret; and his many cousins, nieces, and nephews. His warmth, intellect, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in John’s memory to Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF).

John Berwick Taylor

April 6, 1942 - January 29, 2025