NORWICH – William C. Ackerman, 71, of Treasure Lake, DuBois, Pa., died Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008 at his home.
Born on May 1, 1937 in Norwich, he was the son of the late William J. and Greta Crandall Ackerman. He was married to Diane S. (Sheesley) Truesdale Ackerman on May 25, 2005.
Bill graduated from Norwich High School with the Class of 1956 and the State University of New York at Oswego in 1960 with a B.S. degree in Industrial Arts Education.
Immediately after college, he enlisted in a new Navy program for Pilots and Radar Intercept Officers flying the Phantom jet aircraft. He served on the aircraft carriers USS Constellation and USS John F. Kennedy completing over 400 landings. He became a Squadron Commander, helped train Pilots, and assisted in the development of new aircraft and associated missiles. He was a graduate of the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, and retired as a Commander after serving for 22 years.
He enjoyed boating, woodworking, reading, hunting, fishing, traveling, and sports cars. He also became an outstanding gourmet chef.
Besides his wife, Diane, Bill is survived by two sons, Dr.William C. Ackerman, Jr. (Renee’), and Nathaniel (Sheri), both of Georgia, two step-children, Michelle (Steve) Matzinger of South Carolina, and Jordan Truesdale of North Carolina, 10 grandchildren, and several cousins. He was also preceded in death by an infant daughter.
A funeral service was held in DuBois, Pa. on Wednesday, Nov. 12 with full Military Honors conducted by the Dubois Area Honor Guard.
Memorial donations may be made to Hahne Cancer Center or DuBois Regional Medical Center Hospice, both at 100 Hospital Ave., DuBois, PA 15801.