Gregg A. Cooper

Mr. Gregg A. Cooper, age 44, of Swan Street, Salamanca, New York died suddenly Monday evening, November 22, 2010 at Olean General Hospital, Olean, New York.

Born on April 15, 1966, in Salamanca, NY, he was the son of Irma John Cooper, Salamanca, New York and the late Rodney Cooper.

He was a graduate of Allegany Central School, Class of 1984, where he played varsity basketball, baseball, and football. He also attended the Erie County Police Academy.

Mr. Cooper was employed with the Seneca Nation of Indians as the former TERO director, and was recently elected SNI Assessor. He had previously been in law enforcement with the Seneca Nation, serving as the elected Chief Marshal, and had previously been employed with the Portville Police Department. He had also worked in heavy construction.

He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and four-wheeling. He also enjoyed playing golf, basketball, and softball. Mr. Cooper was involved in the Salamanca Youth activities, where he coached and refereed. He also refereed basketball with the IAABO Association. He was the assistant coach with the Allegany Arrows Youth Lacrosse Association, coaching numerous championship teams.

He was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians, the Bear Clan, and the Labor Union Local 621.

Surviving besides his mother are: his significant other, Jacqalyne Hallowell, of Salamanca, two daughters, Kelsey Cooper, Krista Cooper, both of Swan St.; one son, Cole Cooper, of Swan St.; a brother, Arnie Cooper, Great Valley, New York; three sisters, Monica Stevens, Six Nations Reserve, Canada, Fidelia Stevens , Cattaraugus Terrority, Samantha Jimerson, Lawtons, New York several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was predeceased by a son, Mason Garrett Cooper.

Friends may call at the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York on Friday, November 26, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.

Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, November 27, at 10 a.m. with the Reverend Marvin Abrams, pastor of Jimersontown Presbyterian Church, officiating.

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

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Allegany Arrows.

E-condolences can be sent to john@ororuke-orourke.com.