Charles Taylor

Charles Edward Taylor, Jr., 87, died peacefully at home at Wydnor Hall on Saturday, August 20, 2011. Charles joined Bethlehem Steel in 1947 as a member of the Loop Program. During his 34 year career, he managed Cornwall and Grace Mines, and, before retiring in 1981, was Assistant Manager of Ore Mines for North America at corporate headquarters in Bethlehem. His scope of projects included numerous consulting trips to mines around the country as well as Sweden, Austria, Canada, Chile, and Mexico. Born in Austinville, VA, he attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and graduated from Columbia University School of Mines with a degree in Mining Engineering. He served in the Naval Reserves on the USS Chevalier in the Pacific during WW II. Proud of his Virginia heritage, he had a lifelong interest in the Civil War and was descended from officers who had served. After his retirement, Charles and his wife, Kristina, purchased the historic 200 year old property which would become Wydnor Hall Inn in Lower Saucon. They began an extensive 4 year restoration. Charles then continued his new career as bakery chef, delighting guests with his scones and breads. Kind and gentle, he charmed all who knew him with his entertaining stories and warm wit. He was frequently mistaken for Johnny Carson, to his great amusement, and always graciously obliged with his autograph. In addition to Kristina (Miskolczy), he is survived by daughters, Courtney (Chris) Taylor of Medford, NJ, Jennifer (Brad) Parker of Navarre, FL, stepson, Gregory (Suzanne) Pickard of Medfield, MA, and five grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Patricia (Sprague), and their son, Rathburn Sprague Taylor. The family invites all who knew Charles to an Open House in celebration of his life, Thursday, September 1 4-7 p.m. at Wydnor Hall Inn, 3612 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bethlehem. The Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Hellertown is in charge of arrangments. To offer on-line condolences, please visit www.falkfuneralhomes.com.