Photo courtesy of REED & BENOIT FUNERAL HOME INC
Henderson, New York
Robert A. Ackley, 76, of County Route 78, Town of Ellisburg, passed away Saturday morning, July 18th, 2015, at home under the care of his loving family and Hospice of Jefferson County.
Robert (Bob) was born in Reading, VT, on October 1st, 1938, a son to Lowell and Hattie Gonyea Ackley. Bob married Elva Jane Kendall on June 22nd, 1957, in Springfield, Vermont. As a young man, he worked in road construction and farming before moving to New York State in 1960 to work on an Ayrshire Farm in the Hudson Valley. Bob was a truck driver from 1961 to 1970 before becoming a farmer in Copake Falls, New York. In March 1973, Mr. and Mrs. Ackley moved to the Belleville area. The couple owned and operated a dairy farm on County Route 78 for many years.
Bob was employed by the Town of Ellisburg for eighteen years and served as the Highway Superintendent from 1990 until retiring in 2007. He also served on the Woodside Cemetery Association board. Bob?s interest in maple syrup production was the beginning of a family business that includes multiple generations. His other interests as an outdoorsman included hunting, gardening, and taking walks in the woods. He had a love for Belgian draft horses, Hereford beef cattle, restoring Farmall tractors, and simply spending time with his family. Bob fulfilled a lifelong dream when he and Elva traveled to Alaska in 2008 with family.
Bob was predeceased by Elva in January 2012. Bob is survived by his beloved companion of 11 months, Laura Neighbor, five daughters, Carol (Dennis) Forrester, Elaine Lane, Marcia (Don) Nolder, all of Henderson, Marian Anderson of Dexter, and Kendra (Chris) Eagan of Alexandria, VA, his grandchildren, Matthew Forrester, Amy Zumbach, Rachel Zumbach, Christina Rudd, Kevin Lane, Sara Snider, Jessica Lane, Daisy Keresey, Derrick Nolder, Gari Lynn Dial, Ann Fons, Marie Cordice, Nicole Cheslock, numerous great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his father Lowell, mother Hattie, and brother, Lowell (Stub).
Calling hours will be Tuesday, July 21st from 5:00 ? 8:00 pm at the Carpenter-Stoodley Funeral Home, Belleville. Services will be held Wednesday, July 22nd, at 11:00 am at the funeral home, with burial at Woodside Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Woodside Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 105, Belleville, NY, 13611, for a tree fund to be established in Bob?s name.
Online condolences may be made at www.carpenterstoodley.com.
He was one of the people I always wanted to talk with. Whether with insurance business or horse painting.
Jerry Merrill
August 03, 2015 | Rodman
Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob's family. May your memories bring you comfort.
Cousin Spencer & Charlotte Clay
July 23, 2015 | Croydon, NH
bob was a great man,great highway superintendent,was like by all.we extend our sympathy to his family.
cronk's garage
doug,penny
doug cronk
July 22, 2015 | Mannsville
to the Ackley Family
So sorry to hear about Bob's death he was a kind and good man always ready to help someone. may your memories of happy times help you through this difficult time. Katherine Palmer & family
Katherine Palmer
July 22, 2015 | Sandy Creek, NY
Years ago when Mr.Ackley was in office, I went to an older cemetery in a place called Giddisville, a place I had never heard of before in Ellisburg. There are places yet today I have never been to, but I was doing research on a family for someone and when I got to the cemetery there, I was amazed at its beautiful condition, it was amazing.. and so well kept. It was nice that Mr. Ackley helped do this one thing that means a lot to many, in town and out.. Our thoughts are with the family and...
Gary Rhodes
July 22, 2015 | Henderson, NY
Ackley sisters and family,
My wife and I just want to express our sympathy for the loss of your Dad. He was a vital part of our community and of course your family. His kindness and gentle ways will be long remembered by all who knew him.Try to focus on all the good times and memories. Lynn and Sandy Hunneyman
July 22, 2015
Donny& Marcia/ Carol& Dennis & the family: Please know that we are thinking of you at this time. I have some fond memories of sitting at your parents kitchen table and having a coffee. I remember several times your Dad helped me out in my work. Just know that we are praying for you and hold you up at this time.
Fred/Cyndi
Fred Langworthy
July 22, 2015 | Okhaldhunga
Carol and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Angela Fowler
July 21, 2015 | Tonawanda, NY
Marcia, I am sorry to hear that your father has past.MY thoughts and prayers are with you. See you soon. Barb Robinson
July 21, 2015