Russell “Rusty” V. Cooper

January 16, 1931 – May 9, 2025

Russell “Rusty” V. Cooper, 94, of Salamanca, NY, died Friday, May 9, 2025 at the Salamanca Rehabilitation & Nursing Center following a long illness.

Born January 16, 1931 in Buffalo, NY, he was the son of the late Clifford and Edith Jimerson Cooper.

Russell was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and of the Beaver Clan.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving during the Korean War.

He attended Haskell High School, Haskell, KS.

Russell had been employed as a Merchant Marine on the Great Lakes for over 30 years, based in Deluth, MN.

He was a member of the American Legion Iroquois Post 1587, Irving, NY. Rusty was a licensed pilot who enjoyed flying and had an interest in electronics. He also enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing, and was an avid Buffalo Bills fan.

Surviving are: four sons, Maylen Cooper, Stephen Cooper, both of Lawtons, NY, Virgil (Debbie) Cooper, Lewis (Diane) Cooper, both of Irving, NY; a brother, Duane Sundown, of Denver, CO; five grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Mary Jane Stevens Cooper, two sisters, Shirley Schindler and Harriett Jimerson, and three brothers, Sherwood Cooper, Frederick Lascelles, and Harlan Sundown.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 2 – 4pm & 6 – 8pm.

Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday at 10am with Rev. Marvin Abrams officiating.

Burial will be in Memorial Heights Cemetery, Jimersontown, NY.

Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Iroquois Post 1587, Irving, NY.

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