Richard J. Tynan

Richard J. Tynan, 68, of Albion, NY, passed away on October 5th. Richard "Dick" was born April 19th, 1956, in Rome, NY, the son of Richard and Nancy O'Donnell Tynan.

He graduated from Seton Catholic High School in 1974, and held a Bachelor’s and Master’s in English from SUNY Brockport. Dick was many things to many people: To countless young trades students at Orleans/Niagara BOCES, he was the much-loved English teacher who always brightened their days and made a positive impact on their lives. His passion for knowledge and his immense compassion made certain that anyone lucky enough to sit in a classroom with him, students and staff alike, would never forget him. To dozens of soccer players throughout Orleans County, he was the coach that they'll cherish forever, who taught them to love the game and never forget to have fun. A soccer player since his youth and well into his later years, Dick's keen intuition and tireless enthusiasm rubbed off on anyone who shared a field with him. To so many musicians throughout Western NY, Dick was a devoted and talented player of the mandolin, the fiddle, and the guitar. He's shared the stage with so many talents over the years, including his well-known Rochester-based band, DANG!. Whenever he could, he found so much joy playing with fellow lovers of bluegrass, be it on stage, at a crowded festival, in an empty hallway, out on the lawn – wherever friends may meet with instruments at hand. To many free-spirited friends and strangers on motorcycles across the country, Dick was a riding buddy that was ever reliable and enjoyable. He was fond of taking long trips in good company, seeing new places and making good memories.

Remembering Richard for all of these things and so much more are his loving wife of forty-two years, Ellen Snow; his two sons, Travis (Sarah) and Jacob; his sisters, Katherine (Tom), and Ann; his brothers, Thomas (Joann), Martin (Michelle), Michael (Monica), Patrick (Reenee), and John (Angela); and his nieces and nephews, who are too numerous to name here.

Preceding Richard in death are his parents, Richard F. and Nancy O'Donnell Tynan.

Calling hours and service will be held Friday, October 18th at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 21 West Ave, Albion, NY, from 3:00-5:00pm with a short service following. Memorials can be sent to Orleans Community Health Foundation, 100 Ohio St, Medina, NY 14103, or Hospice of Orleans 14080 Route 31 West, Albion, NY, 14411.