Michael "Mick" Ackerman

Michael "Mick" Ackerman, a devoted husband, father, police officer, coach, and friend, passed away after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was 59.

Mick was born on August 13, 1966, the fifth of six boys to Charlie and Valerie Ackerman. He grew up in Seaford, New York, alongside his brothers Bill, Bob, Jeff, Craig, and Jonathan. He graduated from Seaford High School in 1984 and went on to attend SUNY Farmingdale, where he played baseball, a sport that would remain one of his lifelong passions.

In 1984, at just 17 years old, Mick met the love of his life, Bernadette, when she asked him to be her prom date. It marked the beginning of a 42-year partnership grounded in loyalty, humor, friendship, and unwavering support, including 34 years of marriage after they wed in 1992. Together, they built a life centered on family, raising their three children, Taylor, Delaney, and James.

The family began in Bethpage before settling in Nesconset in 2004, where their children attended Smithtown schools and where Mick became a familiar and beloved presence in the community.

Mick joined the New York City Police Department in 1992, serving with distinction and quiet professionalism. He worked in the 103rd Precinct, Auto Larceny, and the Queens South Task Force before being promoted to Sergeant in 2004, assigned to the 110th Precinct. He later served in the 104th Precinct and its Detective Squad, ultimately retiring in 2014 as the Commanding Officer of the 104th Detective Squad. His career was marked not by seeking recognition, but by steady leadership, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility to others.

Following his retirement from the NYPD, Mick continued his commitment to public service as a School Safety Consultant, advising school districts on safety protocols. He was assigned to the Shoreham-Wading River School District, where his experience and steady presence were deeply valued.

Beyond his professional life, Mick was widely known for his remarkable talent on the softball field. For more than two decades, he traveled the country competing on the National Police Softball circuit as a standout player for the NY Metro team, one of the nation's premier teams. In 2021, he was inducted into the National Police Softball Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition of both his skill and sportsmanship.

Closer to home, Mick gave his time generously to his children's activities. For many years, he coached youth football with the Smithtown Bulls and baseball with the Nesconset Panthers and Smithtown/St. James Little League, as well as his daughter Delaney's travel softball teams. He was known for his calm, steady demeanor, leading with patience, encouragement, and a quiet confidence that brought out the best in every player.

He was equally present in the small but meaningful moments of community life, building carnival games, flipping burgers at the Spring Carnival, or playing Santa at Tackan Elementary. These were not obligations to him, but opportunities to show up for his family and community in ways that mattered.

At home, Mick could often be found in his driveway, surrounded by power tools, working on one of his many self-taught DIY projects. He took pride in building things with his hands, approaching each project with the same determination and care that defined every part of his life.

Mick was, above all, a kind and steady presence. He was never judgmental, always approachable, and the kind of person who formed deep, lasting friendships. He showed up - for his family, his friends, his colleagues - without hesitation and without expectation.

He was also among the many who responded in the aftermath of September 11th, a service that ultimately came at a great personal cost. In August 2025, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer related to his time at Ground Zero.

Mick is survived by his beloved wife, Bernadette; his children, Taylor (Michael Shannon), Delaney, and James; his mother, Valerie Ackerman; his brothers Bill, Bob, Jeff (Hala), Craig (Kim); his brothers-in-law Frank (Denise), John (Christine), his 14 nieces and nephews; as well as a wide circle of extended family, friends, and colleagues who will carry his memory forward.

His life was defined not by a single role, but by the consistency with which he lived all of them, with humility, strength, and a deep devotion to the people he loved.