Thomas Hyland, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully at sunrise on Monday, August 18, 2025, surrounded by the deep love of his family and cherished friends. Born on August 15, 1929, in the rolling green hills of Tipperary, Ireland, Tom was the son of Edmund and Mary Hyland. In 1950, with courage in his heart and dreams of a new life, he left the family farm behind to begin a journey to America. Along the way, fate led him to Jean Marie Douglas in Ontario, Canada. They fell in love and were married on November 28, 1953. Soon after, they made their way to the United States, ultimately planting roots and raising a family in the city of Valinda in southern California.

Tom’s deep desire to make an impact became a reality when he proudly gained his US citizenship on August 5, 1966. A devoted patriot, he carried his American pride with him every day, passionately engaging in lively conversations and proudly sharing his unique connection, that he hailed from the same Irish village as the family of the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan.

Tom dedicated 30 years to the Coca-Cola Company, starting humbly in the basement "pushing a broom" and rising through the ranks to become Plant Superintendent. His passion for the job and unwavering commitment to excellence made a lasting mark. Under his leadership, the Los Angeles plant became one of the top-performing and safest facilities in the nation. Tom was widely respected for his integrity, work ethic, and leadership, qualities that earned him consistent recognition from the company until his retirement in 1985.

Tom’s unwavering faith as a lifelong devout Roman Catholic was the cornerstone of his generous spirit. With boundless dedication, he played a vital role in St. Martha’s Catholic Church in La Puente, California. His contributions helped to shape the very foundation of the community. Helping to build the original parish hall, tending the gardens with care, and pouring countless hours into nurturing the growing parish. For over 25 years, Tom faithfully served as an usher, always ready to offer a helping hand with quiet humility and a heart full of love. His commitment wasn’t just a duty; it was a profound expression of his devotion and kindness that touched everyone around him.

Tom was a devoted and deeply loving father and grandfather whose passion for the outdoors became a cherished part of his family’s story. He didn’t just enjoy nature, he shared it, weaving it through countless camping trips, hikes, and fishing experiences. One unforgettable adventure stands out: a cross-country camping journey he meticulously planned, all the way to Toronto, Canada and back, an experience his family still treasures to this day. His love for nature became a legacy, passed down to his grandsons, who proudly became National Park Junior Rangers under his encouragement and shared his love of the outdoors.

But even nature took a backseat to Tom’s love of golf. An avid and passionate golfer, Tom found joy and peace on the green, and he made sure to pass that joy on. Teaching his grandsons the game he loved and creating memories on some of the world’s most breathtaking courses, from the beautiful fairways of Pebble Beach to the rolling links of England and Ireland. Over the years of golfing, he stayed committed to improving his swing, often joking that his “short game” was less of a game and more of a lifelong hobby.

In his later years, Tom became a passionate and unwavering voice in the Right to Life movement, a cause he championed with fierce conviction and deep compassion. He poured his heart into attending conferences, leading demonstrations, and tirelessly distributing flyers, never missing an opportunity to stand up for what he believed in. His commitment to protecting life was more than an opinion, it was a mission. Tom also held a profound devotion to Our Lady of Fatima and was a steadfast supporter of the Priests for Life organization. For many years, he extended his generosity to the St. Joseph’s Catholic Indian School in South Dakota, quietly supporting the education and well-being of children in need. His philanthropic spirit shone through in every act of kindness, every cause he uplifted, and every life he touched along the way.

Tom’s unwavering devotion to his family and everyone lucky enough to cross his path was a constant, shining light throughout the years. Whether it was offering a quiet, heartfelt conversation when you were at your lowest or showing up with tools in hand to build something as simple as a fence, he gave of himself without hesitation. His kind words, warm smile, and calming presence brought comfort and joy wherever he went. Those who knew him didn’t just feel supported, they felt seen, valued, and loved. Though he’s no longer with us, we believe with all our hearts that he’s found his place in heaven, watching over us still. Our greatest champion, guiding us with that same gentle strength we came to rely on no matter what.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Mary, wife Jean Marie, and his five siblings. He is survived by his daughter Annemarie (Michael) Miller, grandchildren Ryan (Lisa) Sinclair, Adam (Jessica) Sinclair, Jacob Miller, Caelum Miller, Shawn Miller and Devyn Miller; son Mark (Cindy) Hyland, grandson Tommy Hyland; and five great-grandchildren – Ava, Olivia and Lincoln Sinclair (Ryan) and Ellie and Emma Sinclair (Adam). Tom is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.

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