Thomas R. Hyland

thomas hyland
Thomas R. Hyland

Thomas R. “Tom” Hyland, 86, of Centreville, VA, passed away on August 23, 2018. Tom was born in Powhatan Point, OH to Irwin and Alta Hyland on April 20, 1932. A U.S. Navy veteran, he earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in history from The Ohio State University. His public service career included positions at the Department of the Army, the United States Department of Transportation, ACTION, the Virginia Senate Transportation Committee, and the Dulles Area Transportation Association. He was a co-founder of the Virginia Association of Professional Lobbyists and the Loudoun Archaeological Foundation. Tom is survived by his wife, Donna J. Hyland, sons Stephen Hyland (Julie), Timothy Hyland (Jan), and Merry Beth Hall (Allen), and granddaughter Brett Hyland. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 28 at 11 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 711 Spring St. SE, Vienna, VA. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Loudoun Archaeological Foundation, Wesley United Methodist Church, or the charity of your choice. Online condolences and fond memories of Tom may be offered to the family at www.moneyandking.com

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Tom Hyland is a friend for almost a half century and worked as my Legislative Assistant for almost 20 years in my Richmond Senate Office. Tom and his wife Donna befriended me in 1971 as I was running for the senate of Virginia in my first campaign. Donna was a precinct committee person who took me under her wing as I knocked on doors in the Vienna-Oakton area. After Tom’s retirement from the Federal Government I was able to persuade him to join me as a legislative aid writing speeches and statements concerning a variety of issues but utilizing his expertise as a transportation expert. Tom was a valuable employee and became a dear friend through the process. Tom helped me develop the route 28 transportation tax district legislation which converted a two lane congested country road into a major multi lane freeway with a dozen or more interchanges as a major north-south corridor serving the front door to Dulles Airport. Tom then came to me with an idea to extend the Dulles Toll Road to Leesburg as a Private facility which led to the first Private toll road in Virginia since 1820. Tom then helped me develop legislation to create a comprehensive department of transportation providing equal funding for rail and public transportation. So as a team, working with Secretary of Transportation Vivian Watts, we were able to help get a handle on critical Northern Va transportation needs in the late 80’s and beyond. We were a great team and developed into close family friends with his daughter, Mary Beth also working with me for a time and his son Tim attended law school with my step-son Mark Herring, the currant Attorney General of Virginia. Tom was a loving husband and father and will be missed. In time Tom’s family and friends may become accustomed to not having him among us but we shall never forget his good and cheerful way of life. Charlie Waddell, retired Virginia Senator. .

  2. Tom Hyland is a friend for almost a half century and worked as my Legislative Assistant for almost 20 years in my Richmond Senate Office. Tom and his wife Donna befriended me in 1971 as I was running for the senate of Virginia in my first campaign. Donna was a precinct committee person who took me under her wing as I knocked on doors in the Vienna-Oakton area. After Tom’s retirement from the Federal Government I was able to persuade him to join me as a legislative aid writing speeches and statements concerning a variety of issues but utilizing his expertise as a transportation expert. Tom was a valuable employee and became a dear friend through the process. Tom helped me develop the route 28 transportation tax district legislation which converted a two lane congested country road into a major multi lane freeway with a dozen or more interchanges as a major north-south corridor serving the front door to Dulles Airport. Tom then came to me with an idea to extend the Dulles Toll Road to Leesburg as a Private facility which led to the first Private toll road in Virginia since 1820. Tom then helped me develop legislation to create a comprehensive department of transportation providing equal funding for rail and public transportation. So as a team, working with Secretary of Transportation Vivian Watts, we were able to help get a handle on critical Northern Va transportation needs in the late 80’s and beyond. We were a great team and developed into close family friends with his daughter, Mary Beth also working with me for a time and his son Tim attended law school with my step-son Mark Herring, the currant Attorney General of Virginia. Tom was a loving husband and father and will be missed. In time Tom’s family and friends may become accustomed to not having him among us but we shall never forget his good and cheerful way of life. Charlie Waddell, retired Virginia Senator. .

  3. So sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. I was fortunate to work with him on some research projects when we were classmates at NOVA. Such a sharp mind and determined spirit! Hope others will enjoy this photo, taken about 10 years ago, of Tom and some classmates at an archaeological site with our professor, Dr. Clark.

  4. Randy McGirr
    I had the extraordinary privilege to have spent several hours talking with and listening to Tom: smart, sharp, extremely helpful, historically savvy, and very pleasant. Men like him leave behind many treasures for many people. It is sad to see him go. We will miss you, Tom.


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide