Elias Lazaros Taylor's Obituary
Professor Elias L. Taylor, 82, died peacefully at home in Annapolis on Saturday, May 14, 2022.
Born in Thessaloniki, Hellas on May 25, 1939, Elias’ early life was impacted by WWII and the
Greek Civil War. He graduated Anatolia High School in 1959, then came to the United States to
complete his education. Elias earned his undergraduate degree in 1962 from Rollins College in
Winter Park, FL, studied towards his Master’s Degree at the University of California, Berkeley,
and earned his Ph.D in Sociology from the New School in New York City in 1974. Professor
Taylor taught Sociology and Cultural Anthropology for over 50 years at Clarkson University,
Salisbury State University, Goucher College, Towson University, and Coppin State University.
During his tenure at Coppin, Professor Taylor served as the Chairman of the Department of
Social Sciences, President of the AAUP, and he established a chapter of Pi Gamma Mu, the
preeminent International Honors Society of the Social Sciences.
Elias loved his family and friends, his work, soccer, backgammon, travelling, learning, writing
letters, his flower garden, good food and good stories. He was a diligent and disciplined man,
proud father and grandfather, devoted husband, dedicated teacher, supportive colleague and
neighbor, and a cheerful and charitable soul.
In accordance with his wishes, a private memorial will be held later this summer. To honor
Professor Taylor’s legacy in education, his family is establishing the Elias Taylor Award at
Coppin University for student excellence in Sociological research. In lieu of flowers, please
share condolences with his family and/or pledge towards the scholarship at:
[email protected]
What’s your fondest memory of Elias?
What’s a lesson you learned from Elias?
Share a story where Elias' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Elias you’ll never forget.
How did Elias make you smile?