George Heron

Mr. George D. Heron, age 92, of Forest Avenue, Salamanca, New York died peacefully Thursday, May 26, 2011 at his home.

Born on February 22, 1919 in Red House, New York he was the son of the late David and Flora Tallchief Heron.

Mr. Heron was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving as a 1st Class Pharmacist Mate in the European –Mediterranean & Pacific Theatre.

He was employed by the Bridge, Structural & Ornamental Iron Workers Local #6, Buffalo, New York retiring in 1981.

Mr. Heron was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians where he served as Past President from 1958 – 60 and again from 1962 - 64, Past Treasurer and Past Tribal Councilor, a member of the Hawk Clan, Jimersontown Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder, a member of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535 where he served as Past Commander, and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post #5296. He was also a member of the Boy Scouts of America Troop 50 of the Allegany Reservation, Civilian Conservation Corps, Iroquois Temperance League, Allegany Lodge, National Congress of American Indians where he served as Parliamentarian and member of the Executive Board, Six Nations Agricultural Society, Allegany Indian Reservation Volunteer Fire Department, New York State Governor's Advisory Board for the Aging appointed in 1989 by Governor Mario Cuomo, the Lions Club of Salamanca. He was an avid Yankee's fan and a super fan of the Salamanca Warriors.

Surviving are: 2 sons, Tyler (Shirley "Chic") Heron, Jimersontown, New York, David Heron, Salamanca, New York,; a daughter, Gloria Heron, Jimersontown, New York, 2 step-sons, Tom Nosal, Salamanca, new York, Bob (Renee) Nosal, Gowanda, New York; a step-daughter, Patti (Steve Taylor) Reyes, Salamanca, New York; 12 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by 3 sisters, Inez Redeye, Mary Snow, and Ada Heron.

Friends may call at the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York on Friday from 2 – 9 P.M. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2011, 10 a.m., at the Jimerstontown Presbyterian Church.

Burial will be in Memorial Heights Cemetery, Jimerstontown, 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 suggests memorials to Women & Children's Hospital, Buffalo, New York.

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