George Hyland

George F. Hyland Jr. passed away on July 8, 2021, after a sudden decline. His son and daughter were blessed to support his journey from this life to the next where he will reunite with so many family members. He was born in Torrington on September 27, 1928, the son of the late George and Johanna (Slater) Hyland. He was a 1947 graduate of Torrington High School. He studied his floor covering craft at the Armstrong School in Pennsylvania and he was admired for his excellent craftsmanship. His business card motto was “let George do it” and indeed his work spoke for itself as most of his work was through customer referrals. George never cut corners and he taught his children that “you are only as good as your last job”, meaning that you never rest on your laurels, and to always do your best. When he left his floor covering business full-time, he worked for many years at the Torrington Company and his final retirement job was delivering flowers for Moscarillo’s Florist.

George was an active member of St. Francis and St. Peter’s Church while living in Torrington. His deep, clear voice served the parish well during his years as a Commentator, and we all loved to hear him sing at Mass. With the onset of dementia, he relocated to Rhode Island to be close to family. During his last 3 years, he lived at Scalabrini Villa where he participated in Mass on a nearly daily basis. George brought joy to his customers because he always whistled while he worked, and recently he brought much happiness to the staff and residents of Scalabrini when he would sing to them.
His greatest joy was his family and children. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. His children and grandchildren loved to hear his stories – especially those not read from a book – but rather those he made up. He did get in trouble when they wanted the story repeated and he couldn’t remember the order of things… though he would quickly be corrected! George could do most anything around the house – even beyond the work he did for a living laying floors and countertops. One time he was doing a project for his daughter first that included putting in a staircase. The person at the lumberyard told him that the project would be impossible for one man. Dad, of course, proved him wrong because he was always able to figure out a way to do the improbable.
George traveled the world through books. He enjoyed learning and had a special interest in the activities of World War II. Through his reading, he knew more about the places we visited than we ever learned while there, and he saved each postcard sent to the Dad we adored. His financial resources were prioritized for his children, and he never yearned for what he did not have. He always told his children that the secret to happiness is being happy with what you have. When he left his floor covering business full-time to take other jobs that offered health benefits for his family, he was always called upon to be the master of ceremonies for retirees. He knew how to roast everyone – even his bosses – because while George was oh so funny, people understood that every dig came from a good place.
He is survived by his daughter Pam Hyland, his son Greg and his wife Sharlene, their children Janelle Feigley (children Jake and Nate); Clint Hyland (wife Jamie, and children Easton and Rya); Dana Kruse (husband Luke, and children Reid, Lucy and Lincoln); and Doug Hyland; and his grandchildren in New Mexico – Jenny Hyland- Dyche (husband Mark, and children Lexi, Nik, and Cody); Jason Hyland (children Lily and Alyssa); and Ashley Hyland (children Kylie, Gavin, and LaRae). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his former wife Gail Hyland Doolittle, son Brian Hyland, later life partner Marie Gervasini, grandson Brian Hyland Jr., and sisters Ann Hyland, Mary Hyland Baker, Evelynn Hyland Lukacs, Patricia Hyland Ragalye, and Elizabeth Hyland Cowell. Greg and Pam wish to thank the wonderful staff at Scalabrini where he received loving care. We are also grateful for the support from Beacon Hospice.
His family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 from 9:00am-10:30am at Phalen Funeral Home - 285 Migeon Avenue, Torrington CT. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00am at St. Francis Church. The burial will proceed immediately following at the Hillside Cemetery in Torrington, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in George's memory to St. Peter/St. Francis School – 360 Prospect Street, Torrington, CT 06790 - or the Staff Appreciation Fund at Scalabrini Villa, care of Joy Ryan – 860 North Quidnessett Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852.

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