KENNETH G. ACKERMAN

Kenneth G. Ackerman, 83, formerly of Arnold Avenue, Amsterdam, NY, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Sunday, January 1, 2012, at St. Mary's Hospital. Born October 12, 1929 in Amsterdam, he was the son of Percy and Bertha Haner Ackerman. He attended Amsterdam schools and was a lifelong Amsterdam resident. Mr. Ackerman was a Korean War Air Force veteran. He had worked for Borden's Dairy as a milkman and later was employed by Amsterdam Oil Heat Company as a service repairman until 1980. On April 26, 1953 he was united in marriage to Edith A. Schietromo Ackerman. They were married for 35 years until Mrs. Ackerman passed away on September 26, 1988. Mr. Ackerman was a sports enthusiast. He loved attending his family's sporting events and enjoyed playing basketball, bowling and softball. He was a New York Mets fan. He always enjoyed the company of his children and grandchildren. He spent many hours at Dan Dee Donuts and McDonald's where he met with his buddies for a cup of coffee. Mr. Ackerman was a member of the John J. Wyszomirski American Legion Post 701 and a past member of the Bigelow Weavers. Survivors include his children, Barbara (Benjamin) Bakuzonis, Kenneth R. Ackerman and companion, Jamie, and Michele Bauer, all of Amsterdam; daughter-in-law, Maxine Ackerman Sylvia; sisters, Florence McClary and Emma Poyfair; grandsons, Bryan (Genienne) Bakuzonis, Jeremie (Elizabeth) Ackerman, Thomas (Karen) Bakuzonis and Tyler Gleason, all of Amsterdam; great-grandsons, David, Riley, Ethan, Reid and Blake; several nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. In addition to his wife, Mr Ackerman was predeceased by his son, Gary P. Ackerman on January 12, 2007. A funeral home service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at the Amsterdam Funeral Chapel, 13 Belmont Place, Amsterdam, with Deacon Michael Ryba officiating. Burial will be in St. Michael's Cemetery with military honors. Calling hours will be Wednesday, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Donations may be made in Mr. Ackerman's memory to the American Heart Association or the National Kidney Foundation, both in c/o the funeral chapel.