Tysean Thomas Copiague High School graduate and local volunteer Tysean Mervis Lawrence Thomas died from a heart condition Feb. 13, 2009 at New Island Hospital. He was 18.

Born April 17, 1990 in East Meadow, Thomas grew to be a leader in both his school and community.

"Tysean was known as the mayor of Amityville," said his mother Alma Thompson of Amityville. "He was just extraordinary and leaves behind a legacy that many twice his age have failed to achieve."

A 2008 graduate of Copiague High School, he was president of African American Students Organization, president of the Fellowship Club, president of the Mock Trial and a member of Distribution Education Club of America and of the Peer Mediation Club. Locally, he volunteered at Amityville Head Start, the Amityville Senior Center and the Town of Babylon Youth Court, as well as the Mount Carmel and Jesus Our Lord Churches where he led choirs and helped teach Sunday School.

According to his family, he has always wanted to be a lawyer and was scheduled to start Hofstra University's Pre-Law program in Sept. 2009.

In addition to his mother, Mr. Thomas also leaves behind his sister: Sabria Moten; his grandparents: Willie Mae Millner, John Harris and Delroy Dunkley, who is also his godfather; his aunts and uncles: Gloria Millner, Samuel Millner, Darren Thomas, Willie James and his wife Carrie, Rose Pernell, Nidia Paulino, Desiree Sessions, Gail Williams, Kim and Greg Mack and Allison Wheby, who is also his godmother; his great uncle: Mervis Thomas and his wife Roz; his godparents: Erika Davis and Andy Wells; and a host of other family and many friends.

Pastor Walter Willie officiated at the Funeral Service in the Church of God in Christ Prayer Tabernacle, Amityville, followed by interment in Amityville Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Powell Funeral Home, Amityville.