Harvey Hyland Jr.

“A Silent Hero…….”

Harvey Walter Hyland, Jr., has enriched lives of many by his selfless and creative involvement in many areas for those who have had the pleasure of knowing him. Harvey is the son of the late Harvey and Pauline Hyland, who resided in Laurel since 1939. He received his early education at Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary School, his high school diploma at William C. Jason Comprehensive High School and his B. S. Degree in Health and Physical Education from Delaware State (College) University in 1970.

Harvey married the late Moezell Hopkins and at the time of her unfortunate untimely death, they had been married for 49 years. In 1963, Harvey enlisted in the United States Air Force., subsequently; he was stationed in the Philippines. In 1966, while stationed at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, he received Squadron Airman of the month.

When Harvey Sr. realized his life was coming to an end, he requested of his son, Harvey Jr. to watch over his mother and family, never sell the Hyland land and carry on the Harvey W. Hyland, Plumbing and Heating business. Harvey did exactly as Harvey Sr. asked, caring for his family until his untimely death and was a Master Plumber until he lost his sight.

He was employed for 28 years in education. His career consisted of the Seaford School District, the Sussex Vocational/Technical School District, the Wicomico Vocational School District and retiring from the Woodbridge School District. Harvey’s contributions are too numerous to mention; however, highlights of several notable ones are as follows: Harvey received the Sussex County Vocational/Technical School outstanding teacher of the year for two consecutive years; the Mt. Pisgah Outstanding Citizenship award; he was elected to the Laurel School District Board of Education and retired after twelve years of service; he was a Candidate in the 5th District County Council Seat; Harvey served in the Eastern Methodist Delegate National Convention; he was appointed by Governor Markell to the Delaware interscholastic Athletic Association Board; he served as a volunteer to assist in building Woodbridge Park construction and erection; he volunteered for several children’s enrichment missions; he served as a member of the Delaware State University Sussex County Chapter Alumni Association; Harvey was nominated as “Citizen of the Year in 2014” by the Laurel Chamber of Commerce. Harvey received “best athlete” in the pop polls his senior year. As a matter of fact, his basketball number was #3; subsequently the same number as his super star cousin, “Bones” Hyland, who plays in the NBA for the Clippers. “Bones was #3 when he played for the Denver Nuggets. Harvey reminded his sister to subscribe to the NBA network as he followed “Bones” every season from the beginning of his professional basketball career. He was so very proud of him.

Harvey’s dedication to his church was undeniably dear to his heart. During his tenure at New Zion United Methodist Church, Harvey served as Chairman of the Trustees, he served as Superintendent of the New Zion Fellowship Hall construction, he served as Finance Chairperson, he sang on the Men’s Choir. Harvey made sure every aspect of the church functions was maintained for the Pastors and congregation to God’s satisfaction.

Harvey was humble, mild-mannered, witty, and a man who loved his family dearly. His Christian leadership speaks for itself in his everyday life of altruism!!

Harvey is survived by children: Harvey III (Wendy) Hyland; Laurel, DE; children-Brianna; Michael Hyland, children-Michael (Sharon) Horsey, Salisbury, MD; Dontez (Celci) Horsey, Milford, DE; Brandon (Jasmine) Horsey Delmar, DE; Donelle Horsey, Seaford, DE; and Danielle (Patrick) Jefferson, Delmar, DE; Ashaneyia Hyland, Laurel, DE; Andrea Hyland, Laurel, DE-children-Corey Hyland, Le’Aira Whitaker; five sisters: Doris (John) Collins, Wilmington, DE; children- daughter-in-law, (Rochelle); Jennifer Collins, Alpharetta, GA; John Christopher (Shree) Newark, DE; Barbara (Hodges-deceased) Showell, Frederica, DE, children-Jimmy (Renee), Magnolia, DE; Michelle Brown, Seaford, DE; Jaquanna Strafford, Frederica, DE; Janice Hyland, Magnolia, DE, children-Pamela Wilkins, Mt. Laurel, NJ; Paulette Hyland, (Fiancé-Maurice) Laurel, DE; Marsha Hyland, Laurel, DE; aunts; Elizabeth Carter, Delmar, MD; Elaine Jenkins, Seaford, DE and Elizabeth Jenkins, Seaford, DE; sisters-in-law; Edith Hopkins, Largo, MD, and Ann Hopkins, Millsboro, DE; very special Angels; great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews; special childhood friends, Carl Stanley and James Bennett, friends and caregivers.

Preceded in death, father-in-law, Curtis Hopkins; mother-in-law, Mary Hopkins; brothers-in-law; Daniel, John, Ray, Robert and Nathaniel Hopkins; granddaughter-Candace Rosembert.; nephew, Jeffrey Collins, beloved uncles, aunts and other relatives.

Sorrowfully submitted,
The Family

NOTE: The funeral service is at The Mission Community Church in Laurel, Delaware from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with a 2-hour viewing from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Interment is at         2:00 PM at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

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