Obituary of Mark Hyland

Glenville - Mark Edward Hyland,68, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at his residence. Mark was born on August 28, 1954, to the late Francis and Madeline (Barito) Hyland. Mark graduated from Linton High School in Schenectady. He then attended the State University of New York, Where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Mark met Leslie Callen in 1978, and they wed in 1981; the light of Mark's life, his daughter Callen was born to Les and Mark in 1983. Mark had a long career at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as a manager in Information Technology Systems until his retirement at 55. While at ENCON, Mark was instrumental in building IT systems, which aided DEC staff in regulating and monitoring the adherence to New York State's Clean Air Act; Mark was critical to the expansion of DEC's GIS unit. Mark was also very proud to be the only supervisor who was also a union shop steward. He believed strong unions were necessary for worker protection and rights. At his leisure, Mark was an enthusiast of all things biking, hiking, canoeing, and of course, camping. Mark spent many pleasurable hours in the Adirondacks with his family, and he and his daughter Callen would bike along the less traveled stretches of roads, up and down many hills in this area. Mark also completed 10 half-ironman triathlons the Musselman, held in Geneva NY. Mark was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady, NY. He was a proud Humanist, and his morality asked that his actions best contribute to human welfare and fulfillment. Mark was an avid activist and has spent much of his life protesting against war and for the environment and campaigning for local and national politicians. Mark contributed to many charitable organizations both with his time and his finances. Close to Mark's heart were those organizations that feed and housed the people of his community. He volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, worked for Umbrella, and donated excess produce from his garden to SICM. Mark was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Madeline Hyland, and his brother John Hyland. Mark is survived by his beloved companion Rosie Lewis, loving daughter Callen Hyland, sisters Janet Spencer (Al) and Marilyn Reedy (Paul), brother James Hyland (Cheryl) Leslie Hyland, sister-in-law Marjorie Hyland several nieces and nephews as well as grand nieces and nephews, and beloved "grandson" Adagio Weller. Services will be held on Saturday, February 11, at the Unitarian Universalist Society (UUSS) at 221 Wendell Ave, Schenectady, NY. Visitation is from 12 pm until 2 pm, followed by a memorial service. UUSS policy requires all attendees to wear masks; no exceptions are allowed. To honor Mark's wishes, and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Josephs House & Shelter 2024 4th St Troy 12180 email:josephshousetroy.org donation link can be found on the website.