Iconic Ice Cream Parlor's Founder, Namesake Dies at 88

There are pillars in the community, and then there’s Earle Gilbert Taylor, Sr.

Better known as ‘Gil’ Taylor, the Long Valley resident of the past 65 years left his mark on the community through business ventures and the raising of a family that has had a lasting impression on the landscape.

Taylor died on Monday, Aug. 11 at his home at the age of 88, according to his obituary.

Taylor established the famous ice cream parlor bearing his name on Main Street in Chester, founded Taylor’s Rolling Green Farm in Long Valley, and owned and operated the Chester Hardware business.

He is predeceased by his son, E. Gilbert Taylor, Jr., a former Washington Township Mayor and committeeman, who succumbed to a battle with cancer in 2009. Taylor, Jr. was a lifetime member and former chief of the Fairmount Fire Company and former captain of the Long Valley First Aid Squad.

Taylor, Sr. was in the news earlier this year when a Long Valley mail carrier was recognized for helping the elderly man after falling from his motorized scooter in January.

Taylor, Sr. is survived by his wife of 69 years, Gloria, five children, 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and his dog, Rusty.

A celebration of Taylor’s life will be held Saturday, Aug. 16 at the William Leber Funeral Home on Rt. 206 in Chester from 9 to 11 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Long Valley First Aid Squad, 70 E. Mill Road, Long Valley, NJ 07853.