Obituary of Thomas F. Hyla, Sr

LITTLE FALLS - Thomas F. Hyla, Sr., 87 of 46 Diamond Street, Little Falls passed away Monday, September 5, 2005 at St. Luke's Hospital, Utica where he had been a patient since August 23, 2005. He was born on December 6, 1917 in Little Falls the son of the late Frank and Josephine (Witasek) Hyla. He was a graduate of Little Falls High School Class of 1936 and received his Associates Degree at Cornell University Class of 1942 and was a member of the Zeta Psi Fraternity. He also attended Utica College where he studied towards his Bachelor of Science degree. He was united in marriage to his wife of 44 years the former H. Jeanne Highland on July 4, 1942 at the First United Methodist Church, Little Falls. Mrs. Hyla predeceased him on October 14, 1986. Mr. Hyla was a veteran of World War II serving with the US Navy. He entered the service on January 25, 1942. He served in the aviation unit of an anti submarine patrol in New Foundland and the Pacific Theater. He was honorable discharged as a Chief Petty Officer on November 4, 1945. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Little Falls. As well as a member of the American Legion Post # 31, Little Falls and the S/Sgt. Steve Stefula Post # 4612 VFW, Little Falls, Little Falls Masonic Lodge # 181 F&AM, Little Falls Civic Club and was member for over 25 years and past president of the Mohawk Valley Chapter of Football Officials. Mr. Hyla was employed from 1945-1951 in the sales department of the former Cherry - Burrell Corp., Little Falls. In 1951 he formed the Holiday Dairy Co. in Little Falls which he operated until 1968. From 1963-1977 he was employed as a time study for the former Chicago Pneumatic Corp., Utica. He was last employed as the manager of the Off Track Betting Parlor (OTB), Little Falls until his retirement in 1992. He is survived by 2 sons Thomas F. Hyla, Jr. and his wife Bonnie, Ilion and Alan R. Hyla, Colchester, Conn., 3 daughters Barbara J. Davis, Pennsburg, PA, Mary B. Hyla, Marietta, GA and Susan J. Eldred and her husband Benjamin, Williamsport, PA., 7 grandchildren Leanne Ankele, Andrew Eldred, Kirsten Eldred, Thomas F. Hyla, III, Michael J. Hyla, Aaron T. Hyla and Cole A. Hyla, 2 great grandchildren Samantha and Jacob Ankele and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 5 brothers and 4 sisters. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2005 at 10:00 am from the First Presbyterian Church, Jackson Street, Little Falls with the Rev. Jon A. Noble, Pastor officiating. Interment will take place in Rural Park Cemetery, Inghams Mills. Arrangements are by the Chapman-Moser Funeral Home, Inc., 42 N. Ann Street, Little Falls. There are no calling hours In lieu of flowers it is the wish of the family that contributions in memory of Mr. Hyla be considered to the American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 20852-9813. Envelopes are also available at the funeral home for this purpose.