William John Taggart

SALISBURY — William John Taggart died at his home in Salisbury on Oct. 17, 2007.

He was born in Buffalo, N.Y., on Aug. 8, 1936.

He served in the U.S. Army overseas and, after his return, received a Bachelor of Arts degree at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, on a Ford Fellowship. He graduated with a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

Mr. Taggart moved to New York City in 1968, where his work was soon acknowledged by the renowned dealer Betty Parsons. She exhibited his work until her death in 1982.

His abstract paintings, sculptures and prints are included in numerous public and private collections.

After moving to the Northwest Corner, Mr. Taggart sang with the HousaTonics and performed with the Light Opera Company of Salisbury.

He is survived by his wife, Sara Taggart, and his first wife, Sandra Taggart, with whom he had three sons, Sean Taggart of Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y., Caleb Taggart and Joshua Taggart, both of Brooklyn, N.Y.

A memorial service is planned for early in the new year in New York City.