Back
to Message Board
William Ackerly - Class of 1960
Submitted by Fran Olson Gustafson 1965 <fgustafson917@gmail.com>
on 19/Oct/2023
71.223.90.195
William C. "Bill" Ackerly, a longtime resident of Wallkill,
NY, passed away peacefully at home on October 17, 2023. He
was 81 years old. Bill was the son of the late Hylia Jane
Pustola and Rubin Ackerley. He was born on December 5, 1941
in Hurleyville, NY. He graduated from Newburgh Free Academy
and served in the United States Navy. Along with his
parents, he was predeceased by his stepfather, Henry Joseph
Pustola and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A skilled mechanic, Bill owned several businesses throughout
his life, including Fair Oaks Exxon, Bill's Transmission and
Road Service, and Bill's Auto Parts. Bill previously owned
and trained Standardbred racehorses at his farm in Wallkill.
Bill loved to drive and was a bus driver at First Student in
Wallkill, NY at the time of his retirement.
Bill was known for his sociable manner, sense of humor, and
his support for causes he believed in. He was a former
Ombudsman for residents in several nursing homes in Orange
County and was a past president of the Family Council at
Montgomery Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Montgomery,
NY. Bill was always ready to help anyone in need, and he
will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Bill is survived by the love of his life, Susanne (Valk)
Ackerly, whom he met in 1962 and married on March 28, 1964.
He is also survived by his daughter, Dawne and her husband
Michael Cocks of Montgomery, and his son, William and his
wife, Jamie Ackerly of Wallkill. Bill is further survived by
his grandsons, Michael Cocks, III of Portland, Oregon and
Mitchel Ackerly of El Paso, Texas, as well as his
granddaughters Julienna Ackerly of Wallkill and Shelby
Golden and family of Pennsylvania. Bill also leaves behind
his sister, Lynne Pustola and Jackie Couzens of Surprise,
Arizona, as well as several nieces and a nephew.
In accordance with Bill's wishes, there will be no
visitation or funeral service. Cremation will be private and
at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers,
memorial contributions can be made in Bill's name to the
Wallkill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 231 First Street,
Wallkill, NY 12589. To send flowers to the family or plant a
tree in memory of William C. Ackerly, please visit our
floral store.
|