Mark was the Chief of Police of Scotch Plains NJ and died suddenly. Devoted husband and father. He was a member of the police force for 22 years. He played softball on a summer recreational team, enjoyed fishing and boating. He graduated Scotch Plains Fanwood High School and Seton Hall University and Union County Police Academy.
Mark, 46, police chief of Scotch Plains, on Friday, Oct. 14, 2005, husband of Joan (nee La Carrubba) Zyla, father of Kristin and Courtney E. Zyla, son of Patricia (nee Mullarkey) Zyla, brother of Karen Di Pietro and husband, Christopher, the late Pamela Giordano (2005), and brotherin-law of Peter Giordano, son-in-law of Sally La Carrubba, brother-in-law of Ann Purvin and her husband, Michael, and Eileen Reidy and her husband, David. Funeral Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 9:15 a.m. from The ROSSI FUNERAL HOME, 1937 Westfield Ave., Scotch Plains. Mass 10 a.m. at St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church, Scotch Plains. Visitation Sunday 7-9 p.m. and Monday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the educational fund for Chief Zyla's daughters and made payable to his wife, Joan Zyla. Donations will be accepted at the funeral home.
Mark Zyla - Township gathers to mourn police chief Zyla remembered as a family man and 'hometown hero' Westfield Record-Press, The (NJ) - Friday, October 21, 2005
SCOTCH PLAINS - The sun shone down on a mournful Tuesday morning, the somber, silent air outside St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church broken only by the sound of bagpipes and beating drums. A massive crowd had gathered to say a final goodbye to a father, husband, colleague and friend, Police Chief Mark Zyla.
More than a hundred police officers from across the state lined the road leading to the church, arms outstretched in salute. Inside, the church was packed with mournful officers, friends and family trying to console each other after Zyla's sudden death last week. After collapsing of an apparent heart attack at the Sun Tavern in Fanwood on the night of Oct. 13, he passed away the following morning at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield
"He was a true hero, a hometown hero and a friend to all," said Zyla's close friend Robert Coloney, who gave the eulogy before an emotional crowd. "He always gave an honest answer... His commitment to the community was really unprecedented."
Whenever Zyla was thanked for something he had done for someone, Coloney added, he would always say "Not a problem" - it was never a problem for him to go out of his way to help others.
Zyla leaves behind his wife Joan and two daughters, 18-year old Kristin and 12-year old Courtney. "He was an unbelievable family man and spoke often and fondly of all his family," said Coloney. He fondly remembered how proud Zyla was of his children - the chief had stayed up all night recently emailing back and forth with Kristin, and was proud of how well she was adapting to college. Zyla also took special pride in Courtney, whom he said could play football just as well as the boys.
In addition to being a loving father, Coloney said Zyla's relationship with his wife, Joan, was admirable. "He showed respect for his wife. They were best friends."
Coloney reminisced about Zyla's strong love of sports, and spoke of his dedicated involvement as a football coach and treasurer for the Police Athletic League (PAL) football program. Zyla had many nicknames, said Coloney: "Marky," "Beefsteak," "Cheese Steak," "Z" and "Z Money," which in turn led to the term "Z-fense" because of Zyla's strong skills as a defensive coordinator.
The scene in church was emotional, with family members and friends choking up with tears while giving Bible readings. Music seemed to express the grief of those who couldn't speak. After communion was given, dozens of bagpipers filtered into the aisles, and a sole musician began to play "Amazing Grace." Everyone sat quietly, holding back tears that were brought forth as the other bagpipers joined in. As the song reached its peak, the powerful sound of about a dozen drums filled the church, rattling the walls.
Zyla, a 22-year veteran of the police department who became chief in 2004, was a decorated officer who received medals of valor from the department, the 200 Club of Union County and the New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association for his role in a 1999 shootout in which he and four colleagues stopped a man who had wounded two Plainfield police officers.
A graduate of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, he received a bachelor's degree in accounting from Seton Hall University. After attending the county police academy and working for a year as a Union County police officer, Zyla joined the Scotch Plains Police Department. He worked his way up to lieutenant in 2001 and = became chief in spring of 2004.
Said Mayor Martin Marks, who not only worked alongside Zyla but formed a friendship with him from playing softball on the same league, "It is personally a difficult loss for me and professionally a difficult loss for the town."
Lt. James Rau served as acting chief Friday and Capt. Brian Mahoney, who was out of town that day, has since assumed the position.
As Coloney's eulogy drew to a close, he asked the crowd to remember a few things about Zyla. "One thing I learned is that he always did the right thing," he said, asking everyone to keep that in mind every day of their life. "Do something good each day. Make someone's day a little brighter."
Finally, Coloney asked the mourners, "When someone thanks you for something," answer the way Zyla would have: "Not a problem."
Mark, 46, police chief of Scotch Plains, on Friday, Oct. 14, 2005, husband of Joan (nee La Carrubba) Zyla, father of Kristin and Courtney E. Zyla, son of Patricia (nee Mullarkey) Zyla, brother of Karen Di Pietro and husband, Christopher, the late Pamela Giordano (2005), and brotherin-law of Peter Giordano, son-in-law of Sally La Carrubba, brother-in-law of Ann Purvin and her husband, Michael, and Eileen Reidy and her husband, David. Funeral Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 9:15 a.m. from The ROSSI FUNERAL HOME, 1937 Westfield Ave., Scotch Plains. Mass 10 a.m. at St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church, Scotch Plains. Visitation Sunday 7-9 p.m. and Monday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the educational fund for Chief Zyla's daughters and made payable to his wife, Joan Zyla. Donations will be accepted at the funeral home.
Mark Zyla - Township gathers to mourn police chief Zyla remembered as a family man and 'hometown hero' Westfield Record-Press, The (NJ) - Friday, October 21, 2005
SCOTCH PLAINS - The sun shone down on a mournful Tuesday morning, the somber, silent air outside St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church broken only by the sound of bagpipes and beating drums. A massive crowd had gathered to say a final goodbye to a father, husband, colleague and friend, Police Chief Mark Zyla.
More than a hundred police officers from across the state lined the road leading to the church, arms outstretched in salute. Inside, the church was packed with mournful officers, friends and family trying to console each other after Zyla's sudden death last week. After collapsing of an apparent heart attack at the Sun Tavern in Fanwood on the night of Oct. 13, he passed away the following morning at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield
"He was a true hero, a hometown hero and a friend to all," said Zyla's close friend Robert Coloney, who gave the eulogy before an emotional crowd. "He always gave an honest answer... His commitment to the community was really unprecedented."
Whenever Zyla was thanked for something he had done for someone, Coloney added, he would always say "Not a problem" - it was never a problem for him to go out of his way to help others.
Zyla leaves behind his wife Joan and two daughters, 18-year old Kristin and 12-year old Courtney. "He was an unbelievable family man and spoke often and fondly of all his family," said Coloney. He fondly remembered how proud Zyla was of his children - the chief had stayed up all night recently emailing back and forth with Kristin, and was proud of how well she was adapting to college. Zyla also took special pride in Courtney, whom he said could play football just as well as the boys.
In addition to being a loving father, Coloney said Zyla's relationship with his wife, Joan, was admirable. "He showed respect for his wife. They were best friends."
Coloney reminisced about Zyla's strong love of sports, and spoke of his dedicated involvement as a football coach and treasurer for the Police Athletic League (PAL) football program. Zyla had many nicknames, said Coloney: "Marky," "Beefsteak," "Cheese Steak," "Z" and "Z Money," which in turn led to the term "Z-fense" because of Zyla's strong skills as a defensive coordinator.
The scene in church was emotional, with family members and friends choking up with tears while giving Bible readings. Music seemed to express the grief of those who couldn't speak. After communion was given, dozens of bagpipers filtered into the aisles, and a sole musician began to play "Amazing Grace." Everyone sat quietly, holding back tears that were brought forth as the other bagpipers joined in. As the song reached its peak, the powerful sound of about a dozen drums filled the church, rattling the walls.
Zyla, a 22-year veteran of the police department who became chief in 2004, was a decorated officer who received medals of valor from the department, the 200 Club of Union County and the New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association for his role in a 1999 shootout in which he and four colleagues stopped a man who had wounded two Plainfield police officers.
A graduate of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, he received a bachelor's degree in accounting from Seton Hall University. After attending the county police academy and working for a year as a Union County police officer, Zyla joined the Scotch Plains Police Department. He worked his way up to lieutenant in 2001 and = became chief in spring of 2004.
Said Mayor Martin Marks, who not only worked alongside Zyla but formed a friendship with him from playing softball on the same league, "It is personally a difficult loss for me and professionally a difficult loss for the town."
Lt. James Rau served as acting chief Friday and Capt. Brian Mahoney, who was out of town that day, has since assumed the position.
As Coloney's eulogy drew to a close, he asked the crowd to remember a few things about Zyla. "One thing I learned is that he always did the right thing," he said, asking everyone to keep that in mind every day of their life. "Do something good each day. Make someone's day a little brighter."
Finally, Coloney asked the mourners, "When someone thanks you for something," answer the way Zyla would have: "Not a problem."
Mark was the Chief of Police of Scotch Plains NJ and died suddenly. Devoted husband and father. He was a member of the police force for 22 years. He played softball on a summer recreational team, enjoyed fishing and boating. He graduated Scotch Plains Fanwood High School and Seton Hall University and Union County Police Academy.
Mark, 46, police chief of Scotch Plains, on Friday, Oct. 14, 2005, husband of Joan (nee La Carrubba) Zyla, father of Kristin and Courtney E. Zyla, son of Patricia (nee Mullarkey) Zyla, brother of Karen Di Pietro and husband, Christopher, the late Pamela Giordano (2005), and brotherin-law of Peter Giordano, son-in-law of Sally La Carrubba, brother-in-law of Ann Purvin and her husband, Michael, and Eileen Reidy and her husband, David. Funeral Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 9:15 a.m. from The ROSSI FUNERAL HOME, 1937 Westfield Ave., Scotch Plains. Mass 10 a.m. at St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church, Scotch Plains. Visitation Sunday 7-9 p.m. and Monday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the educational fund for Chief Zyla's daughters and made payable to his wife, Joan Zyla. Donations will be accepted at the funeral home.
Mark Zyla - Township gathers to mourn police chief Zyla remembered as a family man and 'hometown hero' Westfield Record-Press, The (NJ) - Friday, October 21, 2005
SCOTCH PLAINS - The sun shone down on a mournful Tuesday morning, the somber, silent air outside St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church broken only by the sound of bagpipes and beating drums. A massive crowd had gathered to say a final goodbye to a father, husband, colleague and friend, Police Chief Mark Zyla.
More than a hundred police officers from across the state lined the road leading to the church, arms outstretched in salute. Inside, the church was packed with mournful officers, friends and family trying to console each other after Zyla's sudden death last week. After collapsing of an apparent heart attack at the Sun Tavern in Fanwood on the night of Oct. 13, he passed away the following morning at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield
"He was a true hero, a hometown hero and a friend to all," said Zyla's close friend Robert Coloney, who gave the eulogy before an emotional crowd. "He always gave an honest answer... His commitment to the community was really unprecedented."
Whenever Zyla was thanked for something he had done for someone, Coloney added, he would always say "Not a problem" - it was never a problem for him to go out of his way to help others.
Zyla leaves behind his wife Joan and two daughters, 18-year old Kristin and 12-year old Courtney. "He was an unbelievable family man and spoke often and fondly of all his family," said Coloney. He fondly remembered how proud Zyla was of his children - the chief had stayed up all night recently emailing back and forth with Kristin, and was proud of how well she was adapting to college. Zyla also took special pride in Courtney, whom he said could play football just as well as the boys.
In addition to being a loving father, Coloney said Zyla's relationship with his wife, Joan, was admirable. "He showed respect for his wife. They were best friends."
Coloney reminisced about Zyla's strong love of sports, and spoke of his dedicated involvement as a football coach and treasurer for the Police Athletic League (PAL) football program. Zyla had many nicknames, said Coloney: "Marky," "Beefsteak," "Cheese Steak," "Z" and "Z Money," which in turn led to the term "Z-fense" because of Zyla's strong skills as a defensive coordinator.
The scene in church was emotional, with family members and friends choking up with tears while giving Bible readings. Music seemed to express the grief of those who couldn't speak. After communion was given, dozens of bagpipers filtered into the aisles, and a sole musician began to play "Amazing Grace." Everyone sat quietly, holding back tears that were brought forth as the other bagpipers joined in. As the song reached its peak, the powerful sound of about a dozen drums filled the church, rattling the walls.
Zyla, a 22-year veteran of the police department who became chief in 2004, was a decorated officer who received medals of valor from the department, the 200 Club of Union County and the New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association for his role in a 1999 shootout in which he and four colleagues stopped a man who had wounded two Plainfield police officers.
A graduate of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, he received a bachelor's degree in accounting from Seton Hall University. After attending the county police academy and working for a year as a Union County police officer, Zyla joined the Scotch Plains Police Department. He worked his way up to lieutenant in 2001 and = became chief in spring of 2004.
Said Mayor Martin Marks, who not only worked alongside Zyla but formed a friendship with him from playing softball on the same league, "It is personally a difficult loss for me and professionally a difficult loss for the town."
Lt. James Rau served as acting chief Friday and Capt. Brian Mahoney, who was out of town that day, has since assumed the position.
As Coloney's eulogy drew to a close, he asked the crowd to remember a few things about Zyla. "One thing I learned is that he always did the right thing," he said, asking everyone to keep that in mind every day of their life. "Do something good each day. Make someone's day a little brighter."
Finally, Coloney asked the mourners, "When someone thanks you for something," answer the way Zyla would have: "Not a problem."
Mark, 46, police chief of Scotch Plains, on Friday, Oct. 14, 2005, husband of Joan (nee La Carrubba) Zyla, father of Kristin and Courtney E. Zyla, son of Patricia (nee Mullarkey) Zyla, brother of Karen Di Pietro and husband, Christopher, the late Pamela Giordano (2005), and brotherin-law of Peter Giordano, son-in-law of Sally La Carrubba, brother-in-law of Ann Purvin and her husband, Michael, and Eileen Reidy and her husband, David. Funeral Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 9:15 a.m. from The ROSSI FUNERAL HOME, 1937 Westfield Ave., Scotch Plains. Mass 10 a.m. at St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church, Scotch Plains. Visitation Sunday 7-9 p.m. and Monday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the educational fund for Chief Zyla's daughters and made payable to his wife, Joan Zyla. Donations will be accepted at the funeral home.
Mark Zyla - Township gathers to mourn police chief Zyla remembered as a family man and 'hometown hero' Westfield Record-Press, The (NJ) - Friday, October 21, 2005
SCOTCH PLAINS - The sun shone down on a mournful Tuesday morning, the somber, silent air outside St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church broken only by the sound of bagpipes and beating drums. A massive crowd had gathered to say a final goodbye to a father, husband, colleague and friend, Police Chief Mark Zyla.
More than a hundred police officers from across the state lined the road leading to the church, arms outstretched in salute. Inside, the church was packed with mournful officers, friends and family trying to console each other after Zyla's sudden death last week. After collapsing of an apparent heart attack at the Sun Tavern in Fanwood on the night of Oct. 13, he passed away the following morning at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield
"He was a true hero, a hometown hero and a friend to all," said Zyla's close friend Robert Coloney, who gave the eulogy before an emotional crowd. "He always gave an honest answer... His commitment to the community was really unprecedented."
Whenever Zyla was thanked for something he had done for someone, Coloney added, he would always say "Not a problem" - it was never a problem for him to go out of his way to help others.
Zyla leaves behind his wife Joan and two daughters, 18-year old Kristin and 12-year old Courtney. "He was an unbelievable family man and spoke often and fondly of all his family," said Coloney. He fondly remembered how proud Zyla was of his children - the chief had stayed up all night recently emailing back and forth with Kristin, and was proud of how well she was adapting to college. Zyla also took special pride in Courtney, whom he said could play football just as well as the boys.
In addition to being a loving father, Coloney said Zyla's relationship with his wife, Joan, was admirable. "He showed respect for his wife. They were best friends."
Coloney reminisced about Zyla's strong love of sports, and spoke of his dedicated involvement as a football coach and treasurer for the Police Athletic League (PAL) football program. Zyla had many nicknames, said Coloney: "Marky," "Beefsteak," "Cheese Steak," "Z" and "Z Money," which in turn led to the term "Z-fense" because of Zyla's strong skills as a defensive coordinator.
The scene in church was emotional, with family members and friends choking up with tears while giving Bible readings. Music seemed to express the grief of those who couldn't speak. After communion was given, dozens of bagpipers filtered into the aisles, and a sole musician began to play "Amazing Grace." Everyone sat quietly, holding back tears that were brought forth as the other bagpipers joined in. As the song reached its peak, the powerful sound of about a dozen drums filled the church, rattling the walls.
Zyla, a 22-year veteran of the police department who became chief in 2004, was a decorated officer who received medals of valor from the department, the 200 Club of Union County and the New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association for his role in a 1999 shootout in which he and four colleagues stopped a man who had wounded two Plainfield police officers.
A graduate of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, he received a bachelor's degree in accounting from Seton Hall University. After attending the county police academy and working for a year as a Union County police officer, Zyla joined the Scotch Plains Police Department. He worked his way up to lieutenant in 2001 and = became chief in spring of 2004.
Said Mayor Martin Marks, who not only worked alongside Zyla but formed a friendship with him from playing softball on the same league, "It is personally a difficult loss for me and professionally a difficult loss for the town."
Lt. James Rau served as acting chief Friday and Capt. Brian Mahoney, who was out of town that day, has since assumed the position.
As Coloney's eulogy drew to a close, he asked the crowd to remember a few things about Zyla. "One thing I learned is that he always did the right thing," he said, asking everyone to keep that in mind every day of their life. "Do something good each day. Make someone's day a little brighter."
Finally, Coloney asked the mourners, "When someone thanks you for something," answer the way Zyla would have: "Not a problem."
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