Joseph A. Crouse Sr.

Mr. Joseph A. Crouse Sr., age 58, of 44 Seneca Street, Salamanca, New York passed away Monday evening, September 9, 2013 at Olean General Hospital, Olean, New York following a long illness.

Born on October 11, 1954 in Salamanca, New York he was the son of the late Emery Crouse and Vilma (Felix) Shongo Michalak.

Mr. Crouse was a veteran of the United States Navy serving from 1972 - 1975.

He was employed with Conrail in Dunkirk, New York as a lineman. He had also worked in construction and roofing.

Mr. Crouse was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and of the Bear Clan. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, horseshoes and listening to music. He enjoyed everything in life and lived it to the fullest.

Surviving are: a daughter, Becky Crouse, Charlotte, North Carolina; a son, Joseph A. Crouse Jr., Dunkirk, New York; a step daughter, Tami (Michael) Pace, Spartansburg, South Carolina; a step son, William Maggio, Spartansburg, South Carolina; 2 brothers, Mark Michalak, Perrysburg, New York, Paul (Denise) Michalak, Columbus, Georgia; 1 uncle, Reggie Crouse, Salamanca, New York; 3 aunts, Greta Kettle, Salamanca, New York, June Jones, Oak Tree, California, Betty Crouse, Salamanca, New York; several grandchildren and cousins, including Margery (Bob) Becelia, Salamanca, New York.

A memorial visitation will be held in the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York on Friday, October 11, 2013 from 10 - 11 a.m., at which time a memorial service will be held with Deacon Mike Anderson officiating.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the American Diabetes Association.