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John Ackley Obituary
He was born in Groton, on April 5, 1930, the son of John E. and Alice (Daniels) Ackley. John graduated from Buckley School in New London. On Jan. 20, 1951 he married the love of his life, Mary Rafferty. They recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.
Following his military service he went to work with his father John, uncle Ted, and cousin Ted Jr., also known as Ackley Brothers. They started with raising cattle at Bluff Point and went on to growing potatoes in southeastern CT. Their business interest turned to development and included High Rock Mobile Park and Birch Plains Golf Course in Groton.
Although he spent many long, hard days working, he always found the time for the things he loved the most. Gardening, woodworking, and his fruit trees were three of his passions, but what he cherished more than anything was spending time with his family.
John is survived by his loving wife, Mary; and his five children, John III and his wife, Debbie, Gary and his wife, Sandy, Randy and his wife, Rosemary, Kathy Carton and her husband, John, and Lisa Zeppieri and her husband, Fred. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren, Jaimie Lichaj and her husband, Tom, John IV, Amy Musselman and her husband, Shawn, Gary and his wife, Amanda, Scott and his wife, Bethany, Brian, Kayley, Kristine, Sarah, John, Jeffrey, and Holly, Molly, Luke, Alanna, Owen and Aubree.
He leaves behind five siblings, Catherine and her husband, Ted, Beverly Cook and her husband, Dave, Marian Lamb, Calvin and his wife, Dawn, and Susan Schmidtknecht and her husband, Rich; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Allyn Lamb; and niece, Dina Umrysz.
Visiting hours will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, at the Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., Groton, followed by a funeral service at 12:30 p.m. at the Poquonnock Bridge Baptist Church, Rt. 1 and South Road, Groton. Interment with military honors will be in Smith Lake Cemetery.
Donations in his memory may be directed to a charity of the donor's choice.
Please visit www.byles.com to sign the guestbook or to share a memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Ackley
Terri & Paul Arsenault
April 4, 2014
Our thoughts are with the entire family.
He was such a nice man & will be missed.
millie lloyd mclean
April 4, 2014
Dear Mary, how well I remember those years in high school, and your steadfast love for Jack. How great it was for me to see you both at our high school reunion. I think of you both with much aloha, and especially of you at this time millie
Alfred Mayo
April 3, 2014
To the Ackley Families we as Mayo's want extend our sorrow to your family what a great man he was, coming by his house growing up was the center piece Groton near Buddington Rd., his beautiful barn I once visits, I cannot thank the Ackley Families for your father hard work he done for Groton, my remember . GOD BLESS him forever more.
Pamela Britagna
April 2, 2014
Dear Kathy and the Ackley family you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Monday was one of the most beautiful services I've been to. The love and support from so many family and friends. May God bless you all.
Joann Lewis
April 1, 2014
Sorry for your loss Alan.
Jim Bailey
April 1, 2014
To the Ackley family,
May our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ bless and comfort you in your time of loss and sorrow.
April 1, 2014
Rest In Peace, Uncle Jack, we love you. Jim and Nancy.
Sean Griffin
April 1, 2014
To the Ackley Family,
I am sorry for your loss. My father spoke very highly of Mr Ackley. He was a fine man.
April 1, 2014
To Mary, Johnny, Randy, Gary, Cathy and Lisa,
Heaven has now welcomed a wonderful human being.
I've know "Jackie", as my parents called him, since I was a young child. I always remember him smiling and joking.
Jackie loved animals, and I can see him now, always holding the family cat, so lovingly.
He was always so kind to me, and my family.
EVERYONE LOVED JACKIE!
He is now at peace with my father, and the two of them are keeping heaven amused, just like "old times",
Jackie is watching over all of you. He was a real family man, and loved each of you very deeply.
And you will see him again in Heaven someday. Please take peace in knowing that.
Diane Gray Amburn - "Lee and Bev's youngest"
Lori Pocock
March 31, 2014
Mrs. Ackley, Randy, Lisa & Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time with the passing of your loved one.
Lori (Yuhas) Pocock & Family
Kim Bowman Henion
March 30, 2014
Dear Randy and the entire Ackley family. I have such great memories of your Dad from my childhood. He had such a great sense of humor and a very kind heart to all he knew and met. He will be missed. Sending love to you and your family at this very difficult time.
March 30, 2014
Dear Jaimie and Ackley Family,
Stay strong and have your grandpa's spirit live on in what you do each day. We're thinking of you.
The Jobes and Lichaj Families
Maureen Thayer Gerrish
March 30, 2014
Sad to hear of the passing of Jackie, many wonderful memories of growing up on North Road and the family. With deepest sympathy.
Earl & Kathy Thompson
March 29, 2014
Just received word from Rosemary today. I am sorry Earl and I cannot be there with you. We have known and enjoyed Jack for 30 years. He was a delightful, high spirited man. A great loss to family and so many friends.
Ed Victoria
March 29, 2014
dear Ackley family ,
randy my friend , I was very saddened to see online about the passing of your dad .
my deepest condolences to you and your whole family in this most difficult time . my prayers and thoughts are with you all, god bless .
Kathy (Ceravolo) Pennella
March 29, 2014
I am So sorry for your loss...My heart goes out to you during this difficult time...
March 29, 2014
Dear Randy ,Rosemary and the whole Ackley family I am very sorry for your loss. The stories and history of this man will live forever in all of Grotons heart. You are all in our thought and prayers, warmest wishes Danette , Avery & Tyla Robinson
March 29, 2014
Our sincere sympathy to the Ackley Family with the loss of Jack. My father loved his visits with the "Ackley Brothers" and spoke of them fondly. The Byington Family
March 29, 2014
Rest in Peace John my condolences to the Ackley Family.
Don Deane
March 29, 2014
To the Ackley family,
We are so sorry to hear of your dad and grandfather's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda Schneider and Rick Mears
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