Jacob Hyner, of Southbury, formerly of Waterbury, died at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012. He was the beloved husband of Barbara R. Hyner, to whom he was married for 68 years.
Hyner was born on Aug. 29, 1917, in Brooklyn, NY, son of the late Isidore and Minna Hyner. He graduated in 1929 from the College of the City of New York with a BS in Chemistry. During World War II, he was a research chemist at United Chromium in Waterbury, CT where he developed a specialized chromium plating process for aircraft engines instrumental in keeping planes flying in harsh desert conditions.
After the war, he co-founded Whyco Chromium Company which began in a two-car garage and ended up as one of the largest and most influential metal finishing companies in the country. Hyner was active in many metal finishing and trade organizations and served for a number of years as the chairman of the research board of the National Association of Metal Finishers. He was an active member of and many other organizations. He was a very generous man and, with Barbara's involvement, gave to many charities and often to individuals. According to their wishes this was usually done anonymously.
He loved history, nature, and travel and shared these pleasures with both Barbara and his family. He loved to play golf and continued to play with his sons and grandchildren all the way through this past summer. Those who knew him will remember him as a sweet, generous, caring, and loving person.
In addition to his loving wife Barbara, he is survived by two children and their spouses Mark and Marilyn Hyner of Bluffton, South Carolina and Rob and Ellen Hyner of Avon, Connecticut. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Melissa and her husband Matthew Gugliotti, Matthew Hyner, Samantha Hyner, Alex Hyner, and an adopted granddaughter, Susan Thibeault.
A Graveside funeral service with be held at 1 pm on Wednesday Feb. 8, 2012, at Star Lodge Cemetery, Stilson Rd. Waterbury. The family will receive callers at Jack and Barbara's home at 28 E Heritage Crest in Southbury on Wednesday evening from 6 to 9 pm and will include a Shiva Minyan.
The Alderson Funeral Home of Waterbury, 9 Holmes Ave., Waterbury is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. For further information and directions to both the cemetery and the Hyner home, or to send an email condolence, go to www.aldersonfuneralhomes.com
