Obituary of Joshua Robert Wanatee

Joshua Robert Wanatee, A’ya’tti’a, 39.

It is with great sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of our loved one, Joshua R. Wanatee on Feb. 22^nd at Upstate University Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was a lifelong resident of the Onondaga Nation and a proud enrolled member of the Meskwaki Nation Bear Clan.

Joshua was a graduate of LaFayette High School. For many years, he was a goalie for OAC and played for Valley youth Hockey. He loved cars and looked forward every year to the Syracuse Nationals. Joshua enjoyed fishing, his yearly trips south with his wife and daughter and to all that knew him, knew his love for Koalas.

Joshua  was predeceased by maternal grandparents Robert and Donna Bucktooth; paternal grandparents Gailey “Medo” Wanatee and Naomi “Koko” Wanatee (Slick) and uncles Terence Wanatee ; brother Tyrus Wanatee.

He leaves his wife Tara; his daughter Mary Wanatee (Laura Benedict); father Galen Wanatee; mother Robin Bucktooth Wanatee; sister Ally (Sean) Vaughn; nieces  kindalei, Ireland and Seana; nephews Alexander and Julian; mother in law Dawna Blunt; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be a viewing from 4 PM to 7 PM on Saturday, Feb 25^th at Ballweg and Lunsford Funeral Home, 4612 S. Salina St. Syracuse.

Burial will be in Hillside Haven Cemetery in Steamburg, NY on Sunday, Feb 26^th at 12 PM.