Robert E. Ackerman

Ackerman, Robert E. RENSSELAER Robert E. Ackerman, 83, of Rensselaer, died Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at Albany Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness. Born in Albany, he had been a lifelong resident of the city of Rensselaer. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1943, serving in the 1st and 6th Divisions. In 1946, he left with an honorable discharge, having fought in Okinawa during the Battle of Sugar Loaf Hill, and received two Bronze Stars for fighting in that battle and received a Presidential Unit Citation after he was discharged. He was a member of Gerald O'Neil Post #1683, Fort Crailo "Ranellucci" American Legion #471, a lifetime Rensselaer Volunteer Fireman and a member of the E.F. Hart Hose Fire Co. While working for the railroad, Robert also worked for Pella Door and Window and after 42 years of railroad service, Robert retired from what was New York Central Railroad and is now CSX but continued to work as a security guard for five years. Robert is predeceased by his parents, Irving H. and Janet H. (Leavens) Ackerman Sr.; his wife, Lois G. (Westover) Ackerman; and a twin brother, Irving H. Ackerman Jr. He is survived by a daughter, Regina G. (Dennis) Wheeler of Castleton; two sons, Richard E. Ackerman and Dean George Ackerman, both of Rensselaer; five grandsons, Todd Wheeler, Daniel Wheeler and his fiance? Amber Marcy, Nicholas Ackerman (Rebecca Davies), Randall Ackerman and Michael Ackerman; and a great-grandson, Logan N. Ackerman; also survived by nieces and nephews. The family would like to give special thanks to Melissa and Raymond of Community Hospice and the Rensselaer City Senior Citizens for all the help and concern shown the family during our time of need. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral 12:00 noon Friday from the Rockefeller Funeral Home, 165 Columbia Tpk., Rensselaer, N.Y. Friends may call in the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon prior to the service. Interment will be in Memory's Garden Cemetery, Colonie, N.Y. The family has requested that those who wish to remember Robert make a contribution to Rensselaer County Community Hospice, 295 Valley View Road, Rensselaer, NY 12144 in his memory.