Edward Hyland

Edward ‘Ed’ Hyland, 68, of Ormond Beach, Florida, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on May 28, 2025. Born on January 17, 1957, Ed was a graduate of Father Lopez High School (’75) and received his Associate of Science degree in Simulation and Robotics Technology from Daytona State College in 2007.

Ed chose to serve his country by joining the United States Naval Reserve in June 1976. After completing boot camp in Orlando, FL, and Aviation Support Equipment Technician (ASE) “A” School in Millington, TN, he began what became a 30-year career in the naval reserve. Ed served in multiple reserve units: Attack Squadron (VA) 203 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Cecil Field, FL; Reserve Mobile Maintenance Facility (MMF) Alpha and Charlie at NAS Jacksonville, FL; Naval Reserve Aircraft Carrier Unit USS John F. Kennedy, Naval Station Mayport, FL; Reserve Carrier Support Group Northwest in Aurora, CO; and Reserve Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) at NAS Jacksonville, FL. Recognized for his excellence, Ed was promoted to Chief Petty Officer (CPO) and, after completing the traditional “Chiefs Initiation,” received his CPO anchors in September 1996. It was a special honor to have his collar anchors pinned by his Navy siblings: Commander Darah Hyland and Lieutenant Patrick Hyland. Chief Hyland led many aviation maintenance detachments supporting active-duty forces, including detachments aboard the aircraft carriers USS John F. Kennedy and USS John C. Stennis. For his outstanding leadership and continued superior performance he was promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer, a rank he held until retirement. Throughout his career, Ed received several individual and unit awards: three Navy Achievement Medals, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, two National Defense Service Medals, five Navy Reserve Meritorious Service Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

Ed was a gifted Quality Assurance Test Engineer with Eltec Industries, Inc. here in Daytona Beach. His troubleshooting expertise and innovative solutions were critical to the high-quality pyroelectric detection designs and manufacturing that have made Eltec a leader in its field. Ed retired in 2024 after more than 20 years in an organization he considered a second home; it was his humor, generous spirit, and professionalism that made him a favorite among his coworkers.

Most weekends you would find Ed participating in community charity runs as a member of his beloved ‘Team Believe Fit,’ from the Believe Fit Personal Training Studio in New Smyrna Beach. Ed, in his hot pink team t-shirt sipping coffee at Island Roasters Coffee Company, surrounded by his running friends, was a common post-race sight.

Ed was also an avid motorcycle rider, and he was happiest cruising on his big BMW with his biker buddies. Their Sunday breakfast ride to a hidden restaurant gem somewhere in central Florida was the highlight of his week. Known for his great smile and a generous and kind heart, Ed will be missed by many far and wide.

Ed is survived by his five siblings: Brian Hyland (Holly Hill, FL); Darah Hyland (Port Orange, FL); Kathleen Hyland Contrino (Joe - Ponte Vedra, FL); Patrick Hyland (Gloria-St. Johns, FL) and Maureen Hyland (Boynton Beach, FL); niece Madison Hyland (Jacksonville, FL); nephews Christopher Chamberlin (Alexandra – London, UK) Matthew Chamberlin (Danielle-Boynton Beach, FL), Mason Chamberlin (Orlando, FL), two great-nieces: Arabella and Sierra Chamberlin-Pais and two great nephews: Cash and Easton Chamberlin.

Cremation services will be handled by Volusia Memorial in Ormond Beach and a celebration of Ed’s life for family and friends will be held Saturday June 28, 2025, from 6-8 pm at The River Grille, 950 US-1, Ormond Beach, Florida.

Donations in memory of Ed can be made to the Halifax Humane Society, 2364 LPGA Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32124, www.halifaxhumanesociety.org