David Heron

Mr. David Heron, age 65, of Forest Avenue, Salamanca, New York died at home on Sunday, June 22, 2014.

Born on August 3, 1948 in Salamanca, New York, he was the son of June Lay Heron, Salamanca, New York and the late George D. Heron.

He was a graduate of Salamanca High School, Class of 1967.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during the Vietnam War.

Mr. Heron was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians (Deer Clan). Further, he served the Seneca Nation as a Peacemaker Judge and as a member of the Tribal Council. He was also a former employee of the Seneca Nation.

Mr. Heron believed in service to his community. He was a member of the American Legion Hughes Skiba Post #535, where he had served as a five-time Post Commander. He was also member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post #5296. In 2010 he received an award for his service to veterans from Senator Catherine Young. He was well known in the community for his white hulled corn soup, which he gladly made for events such as the Jimersontown Presbyterian Church Indian Foods Dinner and the Heron Smorgasbord benefitting Buffalo Children’s Hospital.

He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He enjoyed attending racing and drum corp events with family and friends. He found comfort in being outdoors. Finally, he found great enjoyment in his beloved Buffalo Bills always starting the season with a “This is our year”.

Surviving are: 2 daughters, Dr. Donielle (Jason) Heron-Lovell, Tiffany Heron; a granddaughter, Abigail Lovell, all of Elizabethtown, KY; a sister, Gloria Heron, Jimersontown, NY; a brother, Tyler (Shirley “Chic”) Heron, Jimersontown, NY; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his infant twin brother, Daniel Heron.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m.

Funeral services will be held in the Jimersontown Presbyterian Church on Wednesday at 10 a.m. with Rev. Marvin Abrams officiating.

Burial will be in Memorial Heights Cemetery, Jimersontown, New York.

Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post #5296.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535, Salamanca, New York.

E-condolences can be sent to john @ orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.