SOUTH THOMASTON — John R. Taylor III, 64, died peacefully May 15, 2015, at home after a long illness. He was born Jan. 4, 1951, in New Castle, Pa., to John R. Jr. and Dorothy Cummings Taylor.

He was predeceased by his parents; his daughter, Aine Elizabeth Taylor Knight; and his sister, Jean Taylor Perry.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kelly Nash Taylor; his sister, Priscilla Taylor Demont and her husband, Robert Demont; his mother-in-law, Eleanor Curtis Nash; his sister-in law, MaryKate Nash Grierson and her husband, Bill Grierson; and his nieces, Kathryn Demont, Cathy Perry Youschak and Lynn Perry Duplaise.

He grew up in Fairfield, Conn., and moved to Maine at age 10. He graduated from Rockland District High School in the Class of 1969 and attended Maine Maritime Academy and Husson College. John was a talented basketball player and athlete and was given the nickname "Chuck" by his coach Bob Morrill at RDHS. He also played for both Maine Maritime Academy and for Husson College, and continued playing locally in semi-pro and over-30 leagues. His fade-away outside jump shot and his hook shots were trademarks of his talents on the court.

Passionate about the sea and highly skilled on the water, John owned his first boat and motor at age 7. He remained a sailing and boating enthusiast throughout his life along Penobscot Bay. His maritime career started in 1974 as an assistant to George Kittredge, building and testing one-man submarines. In 2003 he started his own business as manager of Northport Marine Services Inc. He and his wife have owned and operated the business for the past 12 years.

Family and friends are invited to visit Tuesday, May 26 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, May 27 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 150 Broadway in Rockland. The Rev. Richard Malo will officiate. A reception will follow at 104 Limerock, adjacent to the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Aine Taylor Knight Fund at the Maine Community Foundation, 245 Main St., Ellsworth, ME 04605. The fund assists local school children with many of their academic, social and basic needs.

Arrangements in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.