Russell Shongo

Russell Shongo, age 81, of Center Road, Salamanca, New York, died Friday, July 8, 2011, at the Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo, New York, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Jimersontown.

Born on May 22, 1930, he was the son of the late Henry and Lucinda Jackson Shongo. He was married in Scio, New York, to the former Yvonne "Bonnie" Smith, who predeceased him on September 3, 2003.

He was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians, Bear Clan, and served as a tribal councilor from 1956 - 1960.

Mr. Shongo was employed with the CSX Railroad as a Locomotive Engineer retiring in 1987.

He was a member of the 1st Presbyterian Church, Olean, New York. He served as Past Master of the Cattaraugus Lodge #239 Free & Accepted Masons. He was a member of the Scottish Rite of Coudersport 32nd Degree. He served as a NYS Representative for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.

Surviving are: one daughter, Joni (Richard) Wyatt, Salamanca, New York; one son, Michael T. Shongo, Salamanca, New York; 5 grandchildren, Shawn (April) Wyatt, Grimesland, North Carolina, Lance (Marie Oldro), Jamestown, New York, Angel ( J. Thomas) Stokkeland, Little Valley, New York, Lisa (John Wagner)Green, Allegany, New York, Michelle (Michael) Corso, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ; 5 great grandchildren, Madyson Green, Allegany, New York, Abigail Corso, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jade Wyatt, Andrew Wyatt, Alex Wyatt, all of Grimesland, North Carolina; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by four sisters, Alta Klotz, Laura Shongo, Delora Shongo, and Reva Halftown; and five brothers, Lyford Shongo, Lester Shongo Sr., William Shongo, Percy Shongo, and Mifflin Shongo.

Friends may call at the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York on Wednesday evening from 7-9 PM.

A Masonic service will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday evening at 8:15 P.M.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Salamanca, New York.

The family suggests memorials to the A.I.R.V.F.D.

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