Monte Van Buren

SALAMANCA — Monte Van Buren, 87, of Salamanca, died Sunday (April 19, 2026) at Absolut of Salamanca, following a long illness.

Born June 8, 1938, in Salamanca, he was the son of the late J. Howard and Genevieve Rhodes Van Buren. He was married to Marcia Waite Van Buren, who survives.

He attended Salamanca Central High School and had been employed with the New York State Department of Transportation for over 20 years, retiring in 2007.

Monte enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as attending their sporting and school events.

He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing, as well as bowling. He was an avid Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees fan and enjoyed watching boxing.

Surviving besides his wife are two daughters, Karen Zeth of Salamanca and Susan (Bill) Grigsby of Grayling, Mich.; one son, Bryan (Stacy) Van Buren of Great Valley; two granddaughters, Kristen Porter of Olean and Jill Zeth of Salamanca; four grandsons, Andrew Ackley of Salamanca, Alvin Zeth of Salamanca, Braylon Van Buren of Great Valley and Bryson Van Buren of Great Valley; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by four brothers, James, John, William and Terrance Van Buren; five sisters, Joan Passmore, Joyce Shubert, Karen Van Buren, Sharon Story and Patricia C. Moore; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial visitation will be held in the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St., Salamanca, at the convenience of the family, and will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to EARS, P.O. Box 445, Salamanca, NY 14779.

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