Richard L. Hyland

ALBANY – Richard L. Hyland, 76, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at home with his loving family by his side. Born in Albany, he was the son of the late Elizabeth Gardiner and Richard L. Hyland, Sr.
Dick was the beloved husband of Carol Hyland; father of Susan Hyland Narkiewicz of Rensselaer; step-father of Steven (Mary Guyette) Whalen of Clifton Park, John (Tracey) Whalen of Glenmont, and Matthew (Suzanne) Whalen of Warwick, R.I.; grandfather of Lauren Narkiewicz of Albany and Melanie Narkiewicz of Brooklyn; step-grandfather of Kaitlin and John Whalen of Glenmont.
Dick was a graduate of St. Joseph's Academy in Albany. He took great pride in his service to the United States Navy Submarine Force from which he retired after 30 years of service as Chief Petty Officer E-7. "Chief," as he was affectionately known was most proud of his induction into the Holland Club this year as testimony of his honorable and faithful service to the U.S. Navy and Submarine Force. This award is present to U.S. Submarine veterans who have been designated "Qualified in Submarines" for more than 50 years. He also served on the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear submarine. Following his retirement from the Navy, he was employed and then once again retired from the NYS Workers' Compensation Board as an Administrative Assistant.
Dick was very active in many organizations. He was a 54 year life member of Elks Lodge #49 where he served as a Trustee. He also served as a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #173. Dick was active with the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Fr. Henry Tansey Division #5, and belonged to the Capital Area Chief Petty Officer Association. He was also a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Dick also enjoyed officiating high school and college basketball games and was a very well-known official in the area for many years. He also refereed high school football and umpired for baseball games.
Dick and his wife Carol loved to travel and enjoyed being "Snowbirds." They spent winters gazing at the ocean from the deck of the Oceans Eleven in Hollywood, FL. He was an avid Red Sox fan and enjoyed discussing the team's ups and downs with his pal, Renie Riley. He had a special spot in his heart for his friends at Beff's Restaurant, the Pocono Palace Resort in PA and The Fountain Restaurant.
Dick's wife extends a special thanks to her sister, Adele Cramer, RN, and Patricia Kelley Crucetti, RN, of Eddy Visiting Nurses Association for their demonstration of love, compassion and dedication to his care.
Dick cherished life and added joy to all who knew him.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. A Funeral service will be held on Monday at 8:00 am at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 am at Historic St. Mary's Church, 10 Lodge Street, Albany. Entombment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.