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Victor Acker Obituary

ACKER--Victor, Ph.D., passed away August 9th at the age of 67. Born in Alexandria, Egypt in 1940, he was a Professor at Touro College, an author and expert on Freinet, and recipient of the French Palmes Academiques. The cause was leukemia. He is survived by his wife Carole, son Alexander, daughter Samantha, granddaughter Lara, his mother Lily and sister Viviane.

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Published by New York Times on Aug. 12, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Victor Acker

Sponsored by Vivi Acker Levy.

41 Entries

Debra Popkin

August 6, 2021

Victor was a good colleague at Baruch College CUNY. He was well liked by all his students and imparted in them a love for literature.

Paul EICHE

September 17, 2008

A Victor,
A peine le contact rétabli, par mail, après une cinquantaine d'années, tu nous a quitté brusquement. Sache que je garderai jalousement nos souvenirs d'école primaire, nos sorties d'ados au cinéma avec Vivi ainsi que celui de ta personnalité chaleureuse. Ils sont indélébiles. Repose en Paix cher Victor.

Jack Levi

September 7, 2008

Victor was a classmate at the Lycee Francais of Alexandria since the kindergarten. I do recall Victor as a serious and very good student. Since 1957, when I left Alexandria , I had lost contact with Victor. Now, after reading all his achievements, I can only say how proud I have been to have had Victor as a classmate. Let his soul rest in peace. Jack Levi

Arlette Loomis

September 8, 2007

I will always carry two simultaneous images of Victor: the 17 year old boy coming to a last party given for him and other departing friends at Touriel's house before his trip to Belgium. He was smiling proudly and apprehensively, ready for the big adventure, but then again, a liitle bit scared. And then, so many years later, the Victor I met again at the 1995 Paris Reunion. We fell in each other's arms, as if no time had elapsed, we reconnected immediately, and never lost contact again. He shared his memoirs and his literary writings, he shared jokes and other thoughts, and most of all, he was there when I needed his support and friendship. I will miss you, Victor.

Marie-Laure Hollander

September 5, 2007

L'humour et la gentillesse de Victor m'ont beaucoup touchee... Je ne l'oublierai pas.
Marie-Laure Hollander

Arthur Heller

August 29, 2007

Mrs. Carole Acker
83-35 139th Street #6R
Briarwood, New York 11435

Dear Mrs. Acker,

It was with much regret and sorrow that I came across the notice today in the New York Times of Victor's passing. My sincere condolences to you, the children and the rest of the family.

As you may know, Victor and I worked together at Ted Bates & Company some years ago. Though we did not see each other frequently after each of us left the company, I was always pleased when Victor would call just to chat and fill me in on what he was doing in his studies, his teaching and his writing. He was a man of considerable achievements and I am certain you and the family are proud of his accomplishments...as I was each time we would be in contact.

Hopefully, memories of happier times together will offer you and the family some solace and will help all to focus on all of the good things you shared. Victor will be missed by those who had the good fortune to know him.

Sincerely,

Christian Guionnet

August 28, 2007

With deep sorrow to his wife Carole
and his family and also tenderness to their marvellous white little dog(born in Paris= old story between Victor and me).
Christian Guionnet
La Theiere (Tea academy in Montparnasse)
118 Bd du Montparnasse 75014 Paris

Viviane Levy

August 27, 2007

Eulogy to my brother, Victor,
as narrated by his sister Viviane Acker Levy.

What can I say about my Big Brother?
Sometimes we used to call him Totor, sometimes Vic Baby because he sometimes used to remind us of a big baby, like in his cute baby picture - and other times, Professor Acker.
To me, he was my best friend.
I would like to share with you a few vignettes of the relationship I had with my brother.
When I looked through our childhood pictures, here was big brother putting his arm around my shoulder, whether it was at the beach, in Alexandria, or in a bumper car at the amusement park - later, as a young teenager, I was very proud when he started taking me to his friend's parties - especially when some of his buddies used to tell him "Bring your sister, bring your sister"! As a matter of fact, Alex looks exactly like my brother used to look like at the age of 17.
Why do I say 17? That's because it was one of saddest day... that's when he went away to study in Belgium, after the Suez crisis... and things were never the same!
After my mom, Victor, and I came to the United States, he decided to work in the Advertisement world; I was a bit shocked... It took him 20 years to finally realize that, with his intellectual abilities, Academia was where he really belonged...He did achieve his goal; he got an award from the French government in order to finish his doctorate in France, taught at several universities, and he finally joined Touro College that he had enjoyed tremendously - In the past few years, he was happy, felt comfortable in his position and was well liked by his students and colleagues. One of our happiest moment was when we were both bestowed the "Palmes Academiques" from the French government during a special ceremony at the French Embassy in New York.
But classical music and opera were some of our favorite subject of conversation - from the "Emperor concerto" that he whistled to announce that he obtained his "bac", in Egypt, (that piano concerto by the way has always remained his favorite), to Wagner operas that he liked to attend, even though he would often fall asleep here and there during the performances.
Lastly, I cannot think of Victor without thinking of food - as Sarah, Michelle's daughter described Victor as "a little plump"- I will never look at some of his favorites without thinking of him - foods such as Egg Benedict, Grape wine leaves, Pasticcio, Tiramisu, Foul sandwiches, or restaurants such as "Family", "Le Singe Vert" and "La Bergamotte".

Victor, you left us too soon and too fast - We love you...
Rest in Peace, now...
You will be missed...
Friday August 10, 2007

Victor and Sister Viviane Acker Levy, at the ceremony to bestow the title of "Chevaliers dans l'Ordre des Palmes Academiques" to both - French Embassy, NYC, April 2003

August 25, 2007

Dinner party at "Maman"/Grandma's in Forest Hills, with Pasticcio - Victor, Vivi, Lily/Grandma, Dr. Freddy Schual, and Carole Acker

August 25, 2007

Family get-to-gether in New Jersey - Fred Rudt, Victor, Danny Urwand, Carole Acker, Jimmy Weinblatt, Vivi, Therese, Barbara Rudt, and Roland Levy - 1983

August 25, 2007

Victor, as a Pasha, at a Mardi-Gras party in New Jersey - 1982

August 25, 2007

Victor and son Alex (4 years old), in Montreal - 1971

August 25, 2007

Victor, 9 1/2 years old, sister Vivi, getting ready to go fishing by the cafe, Rouchdy Beach, Alexandria

August 25, 2007

Family portrait - 1947

August 25, 2007

Victor, 7 years old, with Vivi, 2 1/2 years old

August 25, 2007

Victor, age 5 1/2, with Vivi and papa, at Rouchdy Beach, Alexandria, Egypt

August 25, 2007

Victor, 4 1/2 years old, with his newly born sister, Vivi, and papa

August 25, 2007

Victor, 4 years old, in his p.j., with his curly hair and nice smile

August 25, 2007

Victor, 4 1/2 years old, in Stanley Beach, Alexandria, Egypt, with his favorite uncle, Henri Schual

August 25, 2007

Victor and his favorite cousin, Daniela (aka. Niela Weinblatt) at Nouzha Gardens

August 25, 2007

Victor, age 3, with his maman and papa

August 25, 2007

Victor, age 3

August 25, 2007

Victor, 9 months, with his maman (Lily Acker) - L-R: Gisele, Aunt Lea and Uncle Wolf Horowitz, and proud papa, Dr. Isaac Acker - Mandarah Beach, Alexandria, Egypt

August 25, 2007

Alexander Acker

August 25, 2007

Words recited at my father's service.
By Alexander Acker

My father was known to most people as Victor, Mr., Professor, Haim, and even Cookie (Mom's term of endearment). But I had the unique privilege of calling him Dad.

I have fond memories of Dad growing up. I remember the happy times, the sad times, and everything in between like
- going on family trips in the Grand Torino station wagon. And, getting lost in Grand Torino station wagon from one of Dad's famous "shortcuts"
- Passover seders with Dad's family (Grandma, Auntie Vivi and the kids) and always sitting at the kids table
- crying when my parents dropped me off at college on the first day knowing that I was all alone
- helping me get me my first job right out of college at Prentice Hall Press
- and doing everything possible to make sure that both my sister and I were educated and had the tools to be successful in life.

My father
- Was the smartest man I ever knew. He dumbfounded me with his limitless knowledge. Ask him anything and he'll know the answer.
- A comedian. Always telling a joke but cracking up before the punch line and emailing all his family and friends an (always funny) joke of the week
- An eternal educator. From writing his book on the French educator, Celestin Freinet, to his education achievements, most recently with Touro College.
- A storyteller. I never knew where he came up with his stories, anecdotes, trivia, and statistics.
- Never gave up. Always sought his path in life and never, ever gave up when he failed.
- But to me, he was the man with the thick French accent who called me Al that loved good food, a good conversation, and his family who helped me achieve my goals.

To me, Dad tried his whole life to find out what was his right fit. And thankfully, later in life, he did. Thank you Touro College for letting him fulfill his Education passion and I hope his work is carried on.

I’m blessed to carry his looks with me for the rest of my life and want to thank Grandma for giving him to us, Mom for loving him and being patient with him for 41 years and ask God, to please take care of him.

I'll miss you Dad. I love you.

Mulat Michel

August 21, 2007

Si je le connaissais de réputation, je n'ai pu le rencontrer qu'une seule fois, juste le temps de formuler quelques projets en particulier concernant l'intégration des élèves comme acteurs dans nos publications.
Il ne manquait pas de nous tenir au courant de ses publications preuve effectivement de l'importance qu'il accordait au mouvement Freinet, en particulier international. Il avait un certain nombre d'amis parmi nous, suffisamment pour que nous lui rendions hommage.
Toutes nos pensées à sa famille et à ses proches.

Shelly Braver

August 18, 2007

Dear Viviane and Family:

With deep sorrow, we learned the sad news of your beloved brother Victor's passing.
Our deepest condoleances to you and
your family, and may you find solace
from your friends and family during
these difficult times.
Sincerely,

Shelly Braver

Lynn Rudt-Aichler

August 18, 2007

I am deeply sadden at the death of my cousin Victor. Miles keep our family apart, but it never tares them from our heart. My love to Carol, Lily and the rest of our family. May God comfort all of us. With love,

Dad and his granddaughter, Lara.

August 16, 2007

Dad and Mom at Alex and Ani's 10th Anniversary Dinner

August 15, 2007

Debra Popkin

August 14, 2007

Victor Acker was a warm, caring, friendly colleague at Baruch College. His literature classes were lively and entertaining. Students requested his classes. They enjoyed his sense of humor and remember that he accompanied them to the theatre to attend a live performance of a classical play. He brought wisdom and joy to so many people. We will miss him dearly.

Elysia Richardson

August 13, 2007

I am saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Victor Acker. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Acker when he visited Canada to walk his daughter, Samantha, down the aisle at her wedding. I am glad I was there to see him share that special day with her. I know how much it meant to her for him to be there.

To his family and friends, my wish for you is that the grief heals over soon, leaving you with the comfort of warm memories of your time with him. Please take care.

Dorothy Mays

August 13, 2007

I will miss Victor very much.

Ken Jacobs

August 13, 2007

The Acker's have been my neighbors for many years. I appreciated his calm, poised outlook.
My condolences to Carole and the family.

Lisa Terlizzi

August 13, 2007

My condolences go out to the family of Prof. Acker. I was a student of his in N.Y. His door was always open to his students and he always had a smile and a story to share. I had many laughs with him. He was my favorite Prof at Touro college and I will miss him greatly.

The Acker Family

August 13, 2007

Thanksgiving 2006

August 13, 2007

Harriet Saxon

August 13, 2007

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Victor Acker and send heartfelt condolences to his family

Victor with his mom and little sis Vivi

August 13, 2007

Victor Acker, Spring 2006

August 13, 2007

Lazare and Marilyn Rudt

August 12, 2007

We honor and miss our cousin Victor; he will always hold a special place in our hearts, forever. Lazare will always remember the happy, joyful, family days in Egypt, with great love and affection.

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