Reverend G. Michael Tydus

Reverend G. Michael Tydus
Pastor, Educator, Veteran, Community Servant

Reverend Gary Michael Tydus of Buffalo, New York died on October 19, 2017 at Hospice of Buffalo at 67.  Reverend Tydus is remembered throughout Buffalo’s church and civic communities for his lifelong commitment to excellence in service to his fellow man.

Reverend Tydus was the son of Alexander and Josephine (nee Miller) Tydus of Buffalo where he attended Buffalo Public School #’s 75 and 87 (Clinton Junior High School) and graduated from East High School. A driven academic achiever, he continued his education at McKendree College in Lebanon, Illinois where he earned a Bachelor’s degree with double majors in History and English and completed a Secondary Certification in Education.  In answer to the call to ministry, he continued on to the Boston University School of Theology where he completed a Master of Theology degree.  He returned to Buffalo where he earned a Master’s degree in the master-doctoral program of SUNY Buffalo’s School of Education and continued his doctoral studies.

The Boston, Massachusetts School System was Reverend Tydus’ first teaching assignment. On returning to the Buffalo area, he taught English and later served as Assistant Principal of McKinley High School.  During his tenure there, he impacted the lives of hundreds of students, instilling in them the pursuit of excellence and the mindset that “Failure is not an option.”

On November 17, 1982, Reverend Tydus was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force Reserve.  He was attached to Hancock Air Force Base in North Syracuse, New York and later to Andrews Air Force Base in Camp Springs, Maryland for 18 years.  His last assignment was to Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Throughout his reservist career, he found ministry work rewarding and earned the Air Force Commendation Medal and twice received the Meritorious Service Medal.

Reverend Tydus was ordained by Bishop Herbert Bell Shaw who gave him his first appointment to serve.  The greatest part of his ministry was at the St. Paul’s African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church in Buffalo where he served for 17 years and led the congregation in building a new edifice.  His first pastoral charge was at the Bishop Christopher Rush Memorial African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church.  He later held the charge at the Bishop William Jacob Walls Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Buffalo before returning to St. Paul’s in 2014 to assume the pastorate.

The desire to serve his fellow man and to “leave something of value” extended beyond Reverend Tydus’ church ministry to his secular affiliation with organizations committed to service.  In 1990, he became a member of the Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons.  He was a member of Paramount Lodge #73; Bison Consistory #29 where he served as Illustrious Secretary, Dean, Thrice Potent Master, Most Wise and Perfect Master and Illustrious Commander-in-Chief, and Companion Chapter #35 Royal Arch Masons PHA where he served in the Council and as Excellent High Priest.  In 2004 he was elevated to the thirty-third and last degree of masonry.  His last quest was to complete the circle of perfection which he did going into the Royal and Select Masters (Alton J. Bennett #25).  His Greek affiliation was with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Buffalo Alumni Chapter.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 27th from 5 PM – 8 PM with Masonic and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity services at 6 PM at the St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church, 314 East Ferry Street.  Funeral services will take place on Saturday, October 28th at 10 AM at St. Paul’s A.M.E. Zion Church, 610 East Eagle Street.  Interment will be at Buffalo Cemetery, 2843 Harlem Road, Cheektowaga immediately after the service.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Paul’s A.M.E. Zion Church for the Sarah Lewis Scholarship Fund or the Building Fund.  Funeral arrangements are by T. L. Pickens Mortuary Services.

FOR QUESTIONS OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT
MR. REGGIE INGRAM
(716) 308-6780

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