Michael Anthony Tynan

Details regarding Michael’s calling hours and celebration of life were updated on 1/3/2025 due to expected inclement weather. Please see updated details below.

Michael Anthony Tynan, born on September 21, 1943, in Toledo, Ohio, passed away on December 23, 2024, at Wesley Glen Health Center in Columbus, Ohio. Michael’s life was marked by a profound commitment to faith, family, and service, and he dedicated himself to uplifting those around him through his numerous professional roles and community involvement.

A man of many talents, Michael pursued a robust education that laid the foundation for his career. He was educated at Toledo Central Catholic High School, and he went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in English from St. Meinrad College in Indiana. Michael furthered his studies at the North American College in Rome, Italy, where he obtained a Bachelor of Sacred Theology, and later earned a Master of Arts in Religious Studies from St. Louis University. He was also a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor, equipping him to serve individuals struggling with addiction.

Throughout his career, Michael served in various capacities, including as Associate Pastor and Teacher within the Dioceses of Toledo, Tiffin, and Mansfield, then as Campus Minister and Religion Teacher at Bishop Watterson High School. He was also a Treatment Specialist and School Liaison at Riverside Hospital; Policy Liaison for Recovery Issues at the Office of the Governor (Ohio), First Lady’s Unit in Governor Dick Celeste’s and First Lady Dagmar Celeste’s Administration; Assistant Director at State of Ohio Employee Assistance Program; Clinical Coordinator at So Others Might Eat – Exodus House (Capon Bridge, WV); Chemical Dependency Counselor at North Central Mental Health Services; Director of Recovery Services at Friends of the Homeless; Program Supervisor at Maryhaven; Director of Recovery Services at Columbus AIDS Task Force; and Director of Housing Services at Community Housing Network.

Michael also spent much of his life volunteering with service-oriented organizations. This includes the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless, many years of service, including Board Chair (2004); many years of volunteering at The Open Shelter; Dignity (Columbus Chapter); Simply Catholic; Federation of Christian Ministries; Core of Resigned Priests United for Service (CORPUS); Call to Action; Jimmy Heath House (Cincinnati); CURB Recycling; Past President, Columbus Diocesan Education Association; and, Past President, Interdenominational Church Council (Mansfield, OH).

Michael received multiple recognitions throughout his life, including a 2012 Commendation by Columbus City Council for his many years of service to the cause of ending homelessness; 2009 Living Faith Award (Spirituality Network); 2006 Hero of the Community Shelter Board; 2003 Affordable Housing Champion (Columbus Coalition for the Homeless); Certificate of Appreciation for “Always Putting Tenants First” from Community Housing Network; and, Recognition Award, Mary’s Pence, National Foundation for Women’s Ministry (based in St Paul, MN).

Beyond his professional life, Michael cherished his time spent gardening, cooking, singing, listening and learning. He created a nurturing environment for his family, sharing his interests and passions with those he loved.

He is survived by his beloved spouse, Norma (Schroeder) Tynan; his children, David (Devasena Ponnalagu), Anthony (Ana Carolina Garrett Rodeiro), Sarah, and Laura (Allen Wiley); and his cherished grandchildren, Joshua and Emmett. Michael leaves behind a legacy rooted in love and service, continuing to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, John Francis (Frank) Tynan and Helen Janelle Tynan, and his siblings, Elizabeth (Betty), Mary, Anne, John (Jack), Peter, and Janelle. Also by his dog and neighborhood walking buddy, Tyler.

Friends and loved ones are invited to celebrate Michael’s life and legacy. Calling hours will take place at the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday, January 7, from 3:30-5:30 PM. A brief prayer service will begin at 5:30 PM. A service celebrating Michael’s life will be scheduled for Summer, 2025.

Michael Anthony Tynan was a remarkable individual whose life was a testament to faith, compassion, and community engagement. The family wishes a special thank you to all the dedicated nurses and aides at Wesley Glen, the OhioHealth Home Care Team, John Florian, Dick Korn, Ken Kotch, Stuart Lazarus, and many friends and relatives for their support and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his honor to The Open Shelter (1037 Parsons Ave., Columbus, OH 43206) or the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless (PO Box 23872, Columbus, OH 43223).

There will not be an internet broadcast of the prayer service on January 7. There may be a broadcast of the service in the summer, but that has not been determined at this time