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Thomas Benton Ackrill

Thomas Ackrill Obituary

Thomas Benton Ackrill, of Ft. Lauderdale, passed away on the fourth of July, 2013. He was 92. Dad was born in Pascoag, Rhode Island. As a young adult, he was an enthusiastic "jitterbug". He entered jitterbug contests and shows in Rhode Island and New York City. He participated in a jitterbug exhibition at the New York City World's Fair of 1939 - 1940. He was a 30-year veteran of the US Air Force, with service beginning in World War II. He was a flight engineer on the B-36 and other planes. Later, he was a flight-line maintenance supervisor. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. Dad was an avid volleyball player and referee, competing in tournaments throughout the country. Upon retirement, he switched to beach volleyball and was active in the City of Ft. Lauderdale volleyball leagues. Dad was a life-long fan of jazz music. He supported live jazz throughout southern Florida. He was still going to performances earlier this year. He is survived by his wife of 63 yrs, Rita of Ft. Lauderdale; daughter, Nancy and son Victor, both of Ft. Lauderdale; son Anthony of Gainesville, FL; son Peter of Kansas City, MO; and grandson, Thomas J. Ackrill of Atlanta, GA. The family wishes to thank Dad's caregivers, neighbors and friends for all their help. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Clement Church, 2975 N. Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, July 16th at 1:30 pm.

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Published by Sun-Sentinel from Jul. 11 to Jul. 14, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Ackrill

25 Entries

Mike Ryan

July 5, 2025

One of the finest men I've ever known. We all miss you Salty...

Nick (spider) Palmer

July 16, 2013

Tom always had a quick and easy smile around the volleyball courts, and he was a mentor to many. If you needed someone to listen, he was always there. God bless you, Tom.

Tom Burger

July 16, 2013

Tom you will be greatly missed by your neighbors. Thanks to you and Rita for being such a wonderful couple to have had the privilege of living next to for the past 10 years. Your words of wisdom and kindness will be greatly treasured.
Tom & Brad

.Lonnie Johnson

July 15, 2013

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

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Ron Weber

July 15, 2013

South Florida JAZZ was incorporated in 1992 and began to solicit members in 1994. Tom was one of the first to join and I think he attended every performance we presented until this past season. He was an SFJ VIP member the entire time, which means that he supported the organization at a higher level of financial commitment than most. He loved the music and unlike so many jazz fans, he kept his mind open to newer trends and sounds. I knew him only casually, because as the producer of the concerts, I am always running around and do not get to know the members as well as I would like. Tom was someone who always had a smile on his face, with his handsome, chiseled features. I would always see him and give a brisk handshake and a hug to, but I actually had scarce knowledge of his life and now I feel that I missed so much. I would have liked.to have known him so much better... and
now it is too late and I am disappointed I did not have a closer relationship with an outstanding gentleman. Like Bird, Salty Lives!

Bob "Fudpucker" Snyder

July 14, 2013

Tom was a great influence in my life. I met him back in the 60's when I Nancy playing a duo with Terry Taylor. We would chase Jazz every ware. Cruse up Aia, looking for music in the hotels and Clubs. Went down to Coconut Grove to Bannanas Big Orange Festival. Took trips up to Disney for Jazz at Village Lounge, Over to Epcot for big band events. Took trips to Key west to see Terry playing at the Huckeylough Restaurant and Capt. Horn Blowers. Over to Sanibel for Jazz on the Green. Trailed my 18' boat down to the Keys to dive for lobster when a hurricane came by, kind of bumpy. There are so many other wonderful trips we took chasing music. I will always have these memories. I will see you later.
"Fudpucker"

Michele Taylor

July 13, 2013

I enjoyed knowing Salty and playing beach volleyball with him. I'm happy to have those happy memories of him.

July 13, 2013

Thanks for the wonderful memories. We love you.
Bob & Faye

Gail D'Ambrosio

July 12, 2013

My candle for Tom Ackrill Rest in peace.

Love Gail

Gail D'Ambrosio

July 12, 2013

Victor, Thomas, Anthony, Peter , Nancy and Rita,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Remember all the wonderful times you all had with your father and grandfather. He will be missed by many.
Love to all
Gail

Kelly Mayone

July 12, 2013

I lived next door to Tom & Rita for a few years and they made a huge impression on me when I was a little girl. I was in touch with Rita via email a few years ago and it was wonderful to have that connection back. Tom was quite tickled to learn my uncle was one of the jazz musicians he listened to on the radio & loved to talk about him and his music. My thoughts and love go out to you, Rita.

Julie Ciucevich

July 12, 2013

Thinking of you at his difficult time. Will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Julie Ciucevich and
Dawn Ciucevich Cameron

Carolyn Muller

July 12, 2013

Victor, my condolances to you and your family. Cherish all your memories they will keep your dad in your heart forever.

Carolyn Muller

Nancy Marinelli

July 12, 2013

My sympathies to the family with special thoughts and prayers for you, Rita, at this sad time.

Sheila Siegel

July 11, 2013

Sorry to know that the music is going to have one less ardent fan

Marc Berner

July 11, 2013

God bless you, Tom. Thank you for your wonderful support of the music. May your spirit soar in love!

Tim Ravenna

July 11, 2013

I shared many great moments of music and friendship with Tom. I will miss him! A great man... Blessings to his loved ones.

Nicky Orta

July 11, 2013

My condolences to Tom's family. Tom was a great jazz fan. I had many interesting and fun conversations with him when he would come to see me perform. He will be greatly missed!

July 11, 2013

My sympathies to the family. May you find comfort and hope in God's promise at John5:28

Russell Howard

July 11, 2013

My condolences to Nancy and the Ackrill family.

July 11, 2013

My condolences to Nancy and the Ackrill family.
Russell Howard

Randy Bernsen

July 11, 2013

I will miss Tom/....he was such a great soul, supporter of the arts, can I say friend. He loved our music for sure and was never shy on the constructive suggestions either ! I will miss our surprise breakfasts also.....once again I feel regret not spending more time with this guy...,when will I learn the lesson!

July 11, 2013

Cannot believe Ft Lauderdale beach will be without Salty. He will missed by many and remembered with a smile. Phil and Peggy

Danny Burger

July 11, 2013

God bless you Tom, He was a great man, Jazz lover, and good friend...now he's hanging out with Diz and the guys...Peace

Tom with Nanami at Dr. Lonnie Smith concert last year.

Jamie Ousley

July 11, 2013

So sad to hear my friend Tom Ackrill has passed away... He was the greatest jazz fan I've ever met. I've already been missing seeing him around at all of my gigs lately, and now I'll miss him more. We had great conversations. He taught me (by example!) that it was OK to say whatever the hell I wanted to say.

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