John W. Haley Jr.

SALAMANCA — John W. Haley Jr., 73, of Salamanca, died early Friday morning (Dec. 5, 2025) at home, following a long illness.

Born May 28, 1952, in Salamanca, he was the son of John W. Haley Sr. and the late Bertha Rockwell Haley. He was married Feb. 26, 2021, to the former Julianne Seitz, who survives. He was formerly married to Judith Huntington of Salamanca.

He was a graduate of Salamanca High School, Class of 1970.

John was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving stateside from 1972-74.

He had been employed as a conductor with the Buffalo-Pittsburgh Railroad for almost 42 years, retiring in 2012. He had also worked at Worth W. Smith Hardware in Salamanca.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and attending their sporting events. He played in several billiards leagues, and enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and rode his Harley Davidson as an American Legion Riders.

John was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish; the United Transportation Union, where he served as local chairman; the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535, where he served as past commander; the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296; the Holy Cross Athletic Club; and was an avid Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Guardians fan.

Surviving besides his wife are two sons, Paul (Carrie) Haley and John (April) Haley, both of Salamanca; five stepsons, Jordan Nelsen, Jake (Melissa) Nelsen and Julian Nelsen, all of Charleston, S.C., Troy Studd of Los Angeles, Calif. and Tyler (Julia) Studd of Raeford, N.C.; two granddaughters, Boston Haley and Delaney Haley, both of Salamanca; four grandsons, Harley Hoag, Hayden Hoag, Charles Haley and Max Haley, all of Salamanca; seven step-grandchildren, Chad, Dillion, Lauren, Madison, Noah, Jack and Gianna; two sisters, Diane Haley DeBoy and Kathy Haley, both of Cleveland, Ohio; four brothers, Ray (Mary) Haley of Carrollton, Jeff (Diana) Haley of Kill Buck, Jay (Linda) Haley of Colonial Beach, Va. and Jim (Ginger) Haley of Napoli; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Daniel “Jerry” Haley.

There will be no visitation. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, at the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St., Salamanca.

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