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Alton Acker Obituary
Amherst, MA - Alton "Bear" Bancroft Acker, 83, passed away October 16, 2025 as the result of an accident in his beloved workshop. Born on January 23, 1942, in Mt. Pleasant, New York to the late Gardner and Mildred (Starr) Acker, he was an avid woodworker and musician from an early age.
While his passion was bluegrass music, his many successes include being a stay-at-home dad to his 2 children, High School teacher at several schools in the Pioneer Valley, Medic in the US Air Force, Editor of Guitar maker Magazine and Director of the Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans, Band Leader of Bear Acker & Billings Gap and also a member of various bands. He was a member of the US Air Force from1962-1968, during which he received the Airmen's Medal for rescuing a swimmer in the Black Sea. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Western Kentucky University at Bowling Green and his master's degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In 1978 he returned to his Kentucky Alma Mater to learn the art of guitar building from the late Hascal Haile. Bear's life followed many different paths; he could tell stories for hours about his adventures.
Bear will be dearly missed by his wife of 50 years, Christine "Tina" (Veneri) Acker; son, Aidan Ackerman and his wife, Maura; daughter, Abby O'Connor and her husband, Barry; as well as his grandchildren, Izzie and Max Ackerman and Lily and Brady O'Connor. Additionally, he will be remembered by many musicians, woodworkers and entrepreneurs for his encouragement and support as they launched their own careers.
Staying true to his nature with a passion for teaching, Bear donated his body to the Harvard Medical School Anatomical Gift Program and will continue enriching the lives of many students with a thirst for knowledge.
A celebration of Bear's life is planned for April 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bear's memory can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org or to Shriners Children's Hospital by visiting www.shrinerschildrens.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alton Acker
Henry Dandeneau
February 27, 2026
Bear knew how much I appreciated his ability to make beautiful furniture. So he made us a solid cherry cannon ball cradle for our first born, which we used for our children and our grandchildren. And it resides in one of our bedrooms for the rest of my life!
Henry Dandeneau
February 27, 2026
Bear and I were close friends. He knew me as a hunter and introduced me to shooting smoke poles. Bear made me my possibles bag and accompanied me on my first black powder deer hunt. I started with a smooth bore and he helped me convert it to a rifle when that was allowed. I never go with my smoke pole without fond memories of my friend Bear!
Bob Taylor
October 31, 2025
I have nice memories of Bear, both playing with and watching him play music. He took over for me on "left handed" bass many years ago in the Thunder Mountain Bluegrass band.
God's consolations and my sincere condolences to Tina and his family. Rest in peace Bear "when the golden leaves are on the ground."
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Gary Sienkiewicz
October 23, 2025
I'm so saddened to read of Bear's passing. He was a wonderful man and married a wonderful women. Tina I know things will never be the same but I hope you can find peace with the help of your memories and your beautiful family.
Joan and Steve Stoia
October 23, 2025
We knew Bear as a father and educator who changed hundreds and more lives through vocational education and thrilled audiences with his music. We wish peace and serenity for the family of this outstanding individual.
Esther & David Short
October 23, 2025
I was deeply saddened to read of Bear´s passing yesterday.
The piece in the paper was spot on about his support and encouragement to us "young bucks" as we set off on our careers, confident in the skills and knowledge that we actually didn´t have. Giving a suggestion, or making a point, he was never condescending, if a bit long winded!
I think it was for my 40th birthday, or thereabouts, that Esther conspired with Bear and Kevin in our shop to make the stand shown below. I had gotten some Apple logs from one of the orchards up on Rte 2 and had them sawn. After drying in our Montague yard, they were tucked into my "stash" at the shop. Esther instructed Bear to see Kevin about getting what he needed and making the table. It was a total surprise for me.
The photo below does not do justice to the beauty and craftsmanship of the piece. But what is does show is how central to our lives this piece is. Between my chair & Esther´s sofa, it is cluttered with the detritus of everyday living.
It really is an exceptional piece and has withstood the last 30+ years well.
Katie
October 21, 2025
My love to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss and am praying for your heart to heal.
Frederick Burns
October 21, 2025
I met Bear in his last year of life at his family's tag sale. When I overheard him talking about his shop, I asked him what he makes. He replied he was a luthier. I then asked if he would show me his work space. He graciously invited me for a tour. Bear offered me an opportunity to play some of his guitars. I loved the sound and sustain of his maple guitar so my wife purchased it for me that day. That was the beginning of a great friendship that included coffee, breakfast and storytelling. I will never forget his wisdom, humor, generosity, kindness and his meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of his life.
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Beers & Story Funeral Home - South Hadley646 Newton Street, South Hadley, MA 01075
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