Obituary of Mark Gilyard

Mark Stiles Gilyard, 62, of North Brooksvale Rd., died Tuesday, November 6, 2007 at his home. He was the Operations Manager for Patterson Dental in Rocky Hill.Mr. Gilyard was born March 8, 1945 in Waterbury the son of the late David and Suzanne (Bennett) Gilyard. He was a graduate from Cheshire Academy, attended Bethany College in West Virginia, graduated from Charter Oak College, and graduated from the Senior Non-Commissioned Air Force Academy.During his 33 years of military service, Mr. Gilyard obtained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He was activated for Desert Storm, Desert Shield and Iraqi Freedom. He also served five years in Turkey.Mr. Gilyard enjoyed woodworking, hiking, and working on his home. He volunteered for the American Liver Foundation and traveled often to Washington D.C. where he visited several memorials. When Mark was stationed in Germany for Iraqi Freedom, he enjoyed his walk abouts and interacting with local people.Mr. Gilyard is survived by his two sisters Marsha Finkeldey and her husband John of Old Saybrook, and Margo Smith and her husband Jim of Sarasota, FL; his beloved friend Martha Shea of Wallingford; two nieces Dana Chadwick and her husband Reginald, and Dyan Centeno; four great nieces and nephews Ashley, James, Alison, Joaquim. Mark is also survived by his step-brother Bennett Stewart and his wife Joyce from Ft. Myers, FL. Arrangements A funeral will be held on Saturday November 17, 2007 at 11 a.m. at St. Peters Episcopal Church, 69 Main St., Cheshire. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. The Slater Funeral Home, 242 S. Main St., Cheshire is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Liver Foundation, 127 Washington Ave., North Haven, CT 06473 or to the Westover Chiefs Council, 439 AW/CCX, 100 Lloyd St., Westover, MA 01022.