Kathleen A. Hyer

Beloved by all who knew her, Kathleen Hyer passed away the morning of November 19, 2022. She was 78 years old and lived in Belleair Shore, FL. Kathleen is survived by her husband of 56 years, Raymond Hyer, Jr; her six children, Raymond (wife Anne, children Kieran, Erin, Maeve, Gavin, Devyn), Bobby (wife Christy, children Kelly, Ryan, Brady, Brynn), Sean (wife Tracy, children Sean, Megan), Michael (wife Allyson, children Caiden, Keane, Donovan), Tim (wife Suzy, children Caroline, Evan, Julie, James), and Tara (husband John, daughter Kaia). She is also survived by her sister Joan (Jimmy), and two brothers Jerry (Pat) and Brian (Mary). She will be reunited with those who preceded her, including her parents John and Muriel, her brothers Jack and Kevin, and many other friends and family.

A native New Yorker, Kathleen was born in the Bronx, and lived in Mamaroneck before moving to Manhasset where she discovered her love of the water as a swimmer, diver and water ballerina at Strathmore Vanderbilt and as a lifeguard at Plandome Country Club. She carried her aquatic talents onto the World’s Fair where she and her sister Joan performed as synchronized divers. She met future husband Ray at a pool party in Sands Point and passed her love of the water onto her children and grandchildren, many of whom swam and dove competitively.

After graduating from St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset, Kathleen went onto Trinity College where she got a degree in education before becoming a second grade teacher in the Syosset Public School District. Kathleen and Raymond married in 1966 at St. Mary’s Church, the parish where they ultimately raised their six children. Always spiritual and committed to her Catholic faith, Kathleen never missed a Sunday mass and held several leadership and charitable roles for Catholic organizations like the Immaculate Heart of Mary League, the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, and Legatus.

In 1995, Kathleen and Raymond moved their home from New York to Tampa, Florida where they became active in the communities of Incarnation Catholic Church, Jesuit High School, Academy of the Holy Names, and Christ the King Catholic Church – institutions Kathleen dedicated years of support to as both a benefactor and an involved parent and grandparent. For Kathleen, family was everything. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy, something she proudly showed as a committed class mom, chauffeur to after school practices, and spectator at local and national sporting competitions. Kathleen loved nothing more than cheering on her children and grandchildren, and was also an avid Tampa sports fan who enjoyed tailgating and attending home games for both the Lightning and the Bucs.

The ultimate host, Kathleen was happiest entertaining friends and family over countless holidays and special occasions. She was the nucleus of the Hyer family and filled every gathering with special surprises and her infectious energy which has been lighting up rooms for 78 years. Kathleen’s kindness, selflessness, and fun-loving spirit will continue to live on and grace those she leaves behind.

Visitations will take place on November 21st and 22nd from 6-8pm at Blount & Curry Macdill, 605 S MacDill Ave in Tampa. A funeral mass will be held at Jesuit High School in Tampa on Wednesday, November 23rd at 10am. She will be laid to rest at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Clearwater with a reception to follow at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair. All are welcomed to celebrate Kathleen’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in Kathleen’s name to Academy Prep Center of Tampa, a favorite of her charities. https://tampa.academyprep.org/donate