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Thomas Ackerman Obituary
Thomas E. Ackerman, 85, of Tamaqua, died on Friday, April 11, 2025, at home after a brief illness. He was the husband of Marianne (Slapcinsky) Ackerman with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage this past June.
Born in Summit Hill, Tom was a son of the late William Walter Jr., and Mary Catherine (Martienssen) Ackerman.
A 1957 graduate of Jim Thorpe High School and a 1961 graduate of Millersville State College, he also earned a Master of Education degree, with which Tom taught Social Studies and Economics at the Tamaqua Area High School. His students knew him for his famous pre-test directive, "Keep your eyes on your own papers. Keep your answers covered. Trust thy neighbor, do not tempt him." He was also the Athletic Director and long-time assistant Track and Field coach. He retired from teaching in 2000 after a 39-year career.
A sports lover and fan of Penn State, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the New York Yankees, Tom was an avid reader and also enjoyed making chocolate, baking bread, cultivating tomatoes in his garden, and golfing.
He was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tamaqua and a life member of the Tamaqua Elks Lodge #592.
He is survived by his wife, Marianne; a son, Thomas Ackerman and his wife Theresa of West Penn Township; three daughters, Jane Ackerman of Tamaqua, Julie Keef and her husband James of Collegeville, PA, and Jill Vandevere and her husband Matthew of Havertown, PA; eight grandchildren, Cole and Anastasia Ackerman, Gus and Izzy DiCarlo, Courtney and Claire Keef, and Allie and Sarah Vandevere; one brother, Kenneth of Virginia; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, William and Jake Ackerman; and one sister, Sandra McHale.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations in Tom's name may be made to the Tamaqua Public Library at 30 S. Railroad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252, or the Tamaqua Raider Foundation at 109 West Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252. Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Tamaqua.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Ackerman
Sponsored by Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc..
Trina LePage
June 20, 2025
God bless the Ackerman family. I really miss you Julie! Love Always, Trina LePage
Dave Burns
May 7, 2025
Rest in peace sir. You were a great teacher, it just took a few more years of life to fully appreciate the lessons you were teaching us in high school.
Marian Kupchinsky Bassler
May 2, 2025
Mr. Ackerman was a memorable teacher and appreciated. I shared his "trust but do not tempt" pretest saying with our sons many times. May he rest in peace.
Lindsay Prosymchak
April 22, 2025
My husband and I would like to send our condolences to you all. We both had Mr. Ackerman as a teacher and absolutely loved him.
May your memories bring you comfort.
Dan and Lindsay
Prosymchak
Ron Ackernan s. h. graduate ,1952
April 21, 2025
condolence from cousin ronald ackerman from framingham, mass, also retired teacher and musician. Son of Wilbur born
and grew up in summit hilll
knew and remember cousin Billy.and tommy
JAN D GULDEN D M D
April 17, 2025
THANK YOU FOR TEACHING FOR 39 YEARS
Russell Pierce
April 15, 2025
A long time customer of my Pierces Bookstore for over 2 decades. A true gentleman and nice person. I will miss him. Russ Pierce
Beverly and Wilson Putt
April 15, 2025
To Marianne and family:
So sorry to learn of Tom's passing. Sad to lose another classmate. Always enjoyed his company at our class lunches. I'm sure he will be missed by his family and friends. Our deepest sympathy.
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Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252
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