Donald J. Acker

Colonel Don Acker, U.S.A., Ret., of Sun City Center, FL, formerly of West Hartford, CT died on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 while in the company of his loving family. Don leaves his wife, Virginia A. Acker and his children from his first marriage to Virginia R. Acker (deceased), Carl Acker, Ruth Acker Bellemare, Louise Acker Fegy, Kathryn Acker DCamp and Don Acker, Jr. He also leaves five grandchildren, Dominic Corso, Kevin Corso, Victoria White, Kristen DCamp and Jennifer Acker; four great-grandchildren, Dominic Corso, Jr., Sydney Corso, Gabriella Corso, and Madison Corso; and three step-daughters, Linda Lauritano, Nancy Schumann, and Julie Martin. He was predeceased by his parents, Carl J. Acker, President of Highland Dairy in Hartford, and Ruth Bushey Acker of West Hartford. Don was career military. He served a total of 35 years between the Connecticut Army National Guard and on active duty with the Army. His career assignments included Battalion Commander of a Nike Hercules Battalion, and several high ranking positions on the staff of the Connecticut Army National Guard. In 1973, the Army requested that he enter active service to take charge of developing automated pay and accounting systems for the Army Guard. He stayed on active duty until 1983 when he retired from active service. He then worked in the Pentagon as a financial manager and consultant for the U.S. Government. In his youth, Don was a good athlete playing baseball for a semi-professional team in West Hartford, CT. He always wanted to play third base for the St. Louis Cardinals but never could run fast enough. Don had many interests and avocations over his life. He loved golf and bridge and was accomplished at both. He was dedicated to the development of the Kings Point Bridge Club, and was a past president and a director of the club. He was a lifelong Lutheran belonging to Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hartford, CT and after retiring to Florida, was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sun City Center, FL. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at the Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, 136 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT. Burial with military honors will follow at Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. Calling hours will be Tuesday morning one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. For directions and online condolences, please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com.