Albert "Jake" Jacob Shenandoah

Albert “Jake” Shenandoah, age 81, of Jamesville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday October 8th, at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Syracuse on December 18, 1942, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Josephine (Herne) Shenandoah and grew up on the Onondaga Nation at his beloved home known to many as Benny & Sons Junkyard. Jake proudly served his country as a helicopter crew chief for the US Marine Corp. in the Vietnam War.  After the war, he returned home to become an electrician with IBEW Local 43, retiring from Verizon in 2010.

In his early days, Jake enjoyed competitively racing various cars and snowmobiles throughout New York and Canada. He was an avid race fan who loved NASCAR, Dirt Week and all local dirt tracks. In addition, he loved SU sports, especially lacrosse, but most of all enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren’s sporting events. 

Predeceased by his parents, Benjamin and Josephine Shenandoah, brother, Robert (Dodie) Shenandoah sister Adele (Doug) Burdick, and sister, Patricia Shenandoah. 

Jake is lovingly survived by his wife of 52 years, Jean (Foederer) Shenandoah, his beloved children Lisa (Thomas Kurtz)  Shenandoah-Kurtz of LaFayette, Benjamin Shenandoah of Nedrow, Kristy (Greg Lamphier) Shenandoah of Minoa; sisters Carolyn (late William) Kocher of Camillus; Lorraine Shenandoah of Syracuse. In-laws Joan (late Gary) Stoddard, Anne (Joe) Proppe; his adoring Grandchildren Mckenzie (Kyle Stevens) Kurtz, Jurnee (Jeff Fetty) Shenandoah-Kurtz, Stephen Shenandoah, Carter DeVita, Isabella Shenandoah-Kurtz and Gregory Lamphier Jr; and his adoring Great Grand Children; Zaiden, Waylon and Maverick Stevens as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces/nephews and great-great nieces/nephews.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 15th  at 11 am at Our Lady of Hope, 4845 S. Salina Street, Syracuse. Burial will be in Onondaga Valley Cemetery. Calling hours will be from 3 to 7 p.m on Monday, October 14th at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, 2584 Field Lane, LaFayette.

The family extends their appreciation to all those involved in Jake's health care and our sincere thanks to the Trauma ICU team on 9F at Upstate Hospital. 

In Jakes memory, contributions may be made to the Syracuse VA, 800 Irving Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210 or the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, 601 E Genesee St., Syracuse NY 13202 or online at mcmahonryan.org.

Jake Shenandoah … a hero gone home.