Lynn C. Taylor

Lynn Taylor, 87, died peacefully on June 8, 2025, in the loving presence of his wife and children. A proud native of Doylestown and a celebrated architect, Lynn lived a full and accomplished life marked by creative ambition, abundant joy and a deep affection for friends and family. Lynn was the beloved husband of Shelley Dawson Taylor. The couple married on December 23, 1961, at Salem Church in Doylestown. They shared over six decades of devoted partnership.

Lynn was born on June 5, 1938, to the late Marlyn Bromley Taylor and Florence Selner Taylor, at the original Doylestown Hospital - first established on Pine Street in 1923. He graduated from Doylestown High School in 1956, where he was an enthusiastic performer in theater productions and a skilled trombonist in the marching band. His favorite subjects - art and mathematics - were a natural fit, guiding him toward his lifelong passion: Architecture.

He began his studies at Penn State before continuing with architectural courses at Drexel University.Guided by his passion and hands-on experience, he became a board-certified architect in his third year of college - a profoundly impressive feat while working at the Warren Beltz Architectural Firm in Huntingdon Valley, PA.

A driven educator and lover of his craft, he went on to teach fourth and fifth-year architecture students at Drexel University, earning a faculty position based on expertise and experience alone, despite not holding a formal degree. Among his many academic accolades, he was a guest lecturer at Muhlenberg College and served as an architectural design critic at both the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Pennsylvania.

In the mid-1960s, Lynn began his creative career under the mentorship of renowned architect Louis Sauer, at the esteemed Philadelphia-based firm Louis Sauer Associates Architects. During his time there, he formed lasting friendships with a number of respected colleagues, including Cecil Baker, Richard Brown, Edmund Bacon, Terry Brown and John Chernowski. Working closely with Sauer, Lynn played a key role in the redevelopment and revitalization of several historic areas of the city, including Queens Village and Head House Square in Society Hill - projects that would help shape the architectural fabric of Philadelphia for generations to come.

At just 31, Lynn charted his own course, founding Lynn Taylor Associates Architects in 1969 - launching what would quickly become a distinguished, influential and enduring practice. Through his meticulous diligence, unwavering dedication and inspiring leadership, Lynn’s creative ingenuity and unique architectural vision brought him to some of his most notable projects, including Michener Art Museum, Central Bucks YMCA and Spring House Village Shopping Center. Over the course of his career, Lynn restored or modified over 200 buildings throughout the Borough of Doylestown.

In 1970, his firm received an Honorable Mention from the American Institute of Architects for his design of the Kershner Home and Studio in Doylestown. In 1995, he was honored with the Excellence in Design Award by the AIA Bucks County Chapter, celebrating his acclaimed design of the Michener Art Museum. These represent only a small fraction of the numerous honors awarded to Lynn and his architectural firm.

Lynn’s innovative work has left an indelible mark on countless homes and architectural landmarks throughout Bucks County, Philadelphia and across the United States, with his influence even reaching Europe. Yet, of all his achievements, it was his remarkable generosity, steadfast devotion and the warmth he brought to his community that defined him most.

Lynn dutifully served as a trustee on the boards of BARC Developmental Services, Bucks County
Historical Society, County Theater, American Institute of Architects - Bucks County Chapter, Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce and Florence Habitat for Humanity. His leadership was instrumental in ensuring the preservation of the iconic County Theater in Doylestown.

His legacy lives on in the many architectural treasures that help define the character and beauty of Doylestown and Bucks County.

In the early 1990s, Lynn and his wife, Shelley, designed and built their dream home - a glass house perched on the Oregon coast. Designed with Lynn’s unmistakable aesthetic and heartfelt vision, the cliff side retreat stood nestled in a dense spruce forest, opening to panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. It became a cherished second home, where they spent more than 30 joyful years together, surrounded by the beauty of nature. During this time, they also traveled extensively, exploring nearly every continent in the company of dear friends and beloved cousins.

Lynn is survived by his wife, Shelley Dawson Taylor; his daughters and sons-in-law, Amy and Andy Popkin of Doylestown; Laurie Taylor of West Acton, MA; and Sara Taylor and Jimbei Suzuki of Point Richmond, CA. He is also remembered by his grandchildren: Sam Popkin and Lily Arnell Popkin of Ridgefield, CT; Emma Popkin of Brooklyn, NY; Gus Teran of Boulder, CO; and Emilia Teran of Somerville,MA. He is preceded by his beloved granddaughter, Maggie Popkin (2002–2019), and his cherished sisters Marsha Taylor Girard (1940-2013); and Dorothy Taylor (1946-1957).

The family will welcome friends and loved ones for a memorial service at the Michener Art Museum on Saturday, July 19, 2025. A family receiving line will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the memorial service to follow at 6:00 p.m. 

Guests are invited to join the family for a reception following the service, and are welcome to explore the museum, which will remain open for the evening. 

In celebration of Lynn’s life and legacy, guests are kindly encouraged to refrain from wearing black. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Lynn Taylor to either:

Bucks County Historical Society, Fonthill Campaign Fund, 84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA 18901 with checks payable to BCHS, or made online at: https://884alt.blackbaudhosting.com/884alt/MM---Annual-Fund---Individual 

Penn Medicine Doylestown Hospice, 4259 West Swamp Road, Suite 204, Doylestown, PA 18902 with checks payable to Penn Medicine Doylestown Hospice.