Gordon Elliott Taylor, Independent Insurance Agent and Community Leader, Dies at 95
Gordon Elliott Taylor, a longtime independent insurance agent and owner of the Blackmer Insurance Agency in Shelburne, died on June 1, 2026, at Baystate Franklin Medical Center. He was 95.
Born to Elliott and Dorothy (Wheeler) Taylor, Gordon attended local schools, graduating from Arms Academy in 1948 and the University of Massachusetts in 1952. He worked alongside his father and brother on the family’s Shinglebrook Farm, where Milking Shorthorns were bred, raised, and shown.
Following his service in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958 and the Army Reserves from 1958 to 1961, Gordon returned to Shelburne and began his insurance career with Ralph Blackmer at the Blackmer Insurance Agency. He became a familiar face serving the insurance needs of local individuals, families, and businesses.
In 1983, Gordon and his wife, Marion J. Felton Taylor, purchased the Blackmer Insurance Agency. Together they owned and operated the independent agency for the next 20 years, building on its longstanding role in the Shelburne community.
Gordon and Marion were married in 1961 and shared more than 64 years together before Marion’s death earlier this year. They are survived by their two sons, John E. (Sherry) of Shelburne and James E. (Erin) of Annandale, Virginia; five grandchildren, Emma, Joshua, Matthew, William, and Joseph; his brother, Kenneth of Bradenton, Florida; and a large extended family, many of whom knew him as “Uncle Bud.” He was predeceased by his sister, Jane L. May.
Beyond his insurance career, Gordon devoted decades to public service and community organizations. He was an 82-year member of the First Congregational Church of Shelburne, serving in numerous leadership roles locally and through the Franklin Association of the United Church of Christ. He was also an active member of Shelburne Grange #68 for more than 70 years, serving in many capacities, including president, and held regional and statewide Grange leadership positions. His community service also included work as a Shelburne town assessor, Recreation Committee member, volunteer at the Village Information Center, the Hilltown Churches Food Pantry, and the South Shelburne Cemetery. In recognition of his lifetime of service, the Town of Shelburne dedicated its 2017 Annual Report in his honor.
Gordon also enjoyed baseball during his years at Arms Academy and remained an avid sports fan throughout his life. He enjoyed gardening, playing bridge, and reading. Blessed with a fine tenor voice, he sang with several church choirs and musical groups, including the Pioneer Valley Symphony Chorus, Arena Civic Theater, and the Buckland Male Chorus.
