Obituary of Cyrus M. Schindler Jr.

Cyrus Martin Schindler Jr. Feb. 4, 1948-Jan. 13, 2025 Of Cattaraugus Seneca Territory, Irving, NY passed away January 13th, 2025, at his home, he was 76. Cyrus was born February 4th, 1948, in Silver Creek, the son of the late Lila (Pierce) Schindler and Cyrus Martin Schindler Sr. He was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation, Bear Clan. Cyrus attended Silver Creek High School, after which he became an iron worker. He later enlisted in the Navy and is a veteran of the Viet Nam war where he served as a Seabee. He was a member of Iroquois Legion Post #1587. He was a career iron worker and a member of Iron Workers Local 6. Throughout his career he participated in and supervised many major construction projects in the Buffalo area and abroad. After retirement from iron work Cyrus was a business owner, Big Indian Smoke Shop and later served as President(2001-2002) and Councilor of the Seneca Nation. During his term as President, he was successful in negotiating with a diverse group of stakeholders to open the Seneca Casinos and reclaim Seneca Territory. Cyrus served as the first chairman of the board for the Seneca Gaming Corporation. Cyrus is survived by his wife Michele(Garlinger)Schindler; six daughters, Carmen A. (Martin Jimerson) Repicci, Anna Louise (Wallace) Ward, Chrissy Marie Schindler, Jeanette Lee Schindler, Julie Lynn Farner, Brittany Schindler ; seventeen grandchildren, Jocelyn Jones, Jacob Jones, Courtlyn Jones, Cami Jones, Jadyn Jones, Heather Eileen Ward, Brian Basil Ward, Jeffery Seton Maracle, Symone Olivia Maracle, Lylla Carole Schindler, Matthew Dean Valliere Jr., Jordan Elizabeth Valliere, Basil Brady Valliere, Jack Cyrus Thompson, Cyrus Wayne Farner and Wayne Martin Farner, Scarlet McKenna Nash; twelve great grandchildren, Mannox Jamieson, Onegawiyo:h Printup, Hawenoda:je’s Printup, Joniyano:de:s Printup, Wila Jones,Harrison Styles, Raleigh Styles, Elvera Stevens, Ainsley Stevens Lailynne Anna Tarnowski,Hazel Rae Valliere and Bryson Basil Valliere. He is also survived by his numerous nieces, nephews, friends and family. Cyrus is predeceased by three sisters; Joanne Pierce, Elvera Marie Barreno, Deanna Mae Barreno and three brothers; Roland Barreno, Robert Keith Barreno, Donald Wayne Barreno. Cyrus was an ardent supporter of Seneca sovereignty and often found himself at the forefront of conflicts with New York State. He was charismatic and well known on the territory and local communities, he seemed to have a nickname for everyone. Cyrus enjoyed having coffee and joking with friends. He most loved talking about his experiences with his friends and family. The Family will be present to receive friends Wednesday and Thursday from 2PM-4PM and 7PM-9 PM at the ADDISON FUNERAL HOME, INC. 262 N. Main St. Angola, where services will be held Friday at 11AM.