Edward F. Ackerly 89 of Walton NY formerly of Roscoe, and Mission, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sept. 7, 2010. His family had been by his side for several days.

Mr. Ackerly was born and raised in Roscoe. After graduating from Roscoe High School he worked at the Alcoa Aluminum plant in Bridgeport CT., helping switch the plant from washing machines to armaments for WWII. He volunteered for the Air Force, but then enlisted in the Army Paratroopers, serving in the 503rd Airborne in the South Pacific. He jumped on Corregidor in the Manila Harbor for which the 503rd became famous. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart.

After the War he returned to Roscoe and eloped with the former Elizabeth (Bette) Keeler, on Halloween, 1945. They first lived in Brooklyn NY, where he worked as an electrician's assistant at the St. Regis Hotel. Mr. Ackerly always loved New York, but thought that Roscoe was a better place to raise children. He and Bette brought up their three sons in Roscoe in the house where he had grown up. He continued to work as an electrician, bringing electricity to many rural homes for the first time.

Mr. Ackerly was active in community affairs. Soon after returning to Roscoe he joined the Roscoe Volunteer Fire Department. He was elected Fire Chief and served for five years. He was Commander of the American Legion in Roscoe. Later he was elected a Town Assessor. He was also an elected Town Councilman for 12 years. For many years he was a Town Constable, member of the Republican Committee, and on the Riverview Cemetery Board of Directors. He continued to be active in Fire Department related organizations. He was past President of the Sullivan County Fireman's Association. He also served on the Board of the County Fire Commissioners and on the State Fire Advisory Board. During this time he helped establish a burn center in Albany and served on the facility's Board of Directors. He was also a F & A Mason.

In 1960 he bought the Roscoe Dairy which he ran with Bette and his sons until he sold it in 1978. He continued to do part time work for several years. He and Bette headed south, first Florida and then Texas. In 1985 they became residents of Mission, TX. Every summer they returned north to spend time with their son, Tom's family in Walton and their son, Scott' family on Plum Island, MA.

He and Bette traveled extensively cris-crossing America, visiting all 48 contiguous States and all of the National Parks. Ed would be the first to admit he had a good life. He loved public affairs, helping people, telling stories, classic movies, walking, and learning about all the places he visited.

He is survived by his son Thomas Ackerly and wife Deborah; Walton NY and children (of Thomas and Anna May Husson) – Casey and husband Everett Tallman, Tamara and husband Skip Powell, and Thomas Ackerly and wife Becky (Park); son Scott Ackerly and wife Jean (Parmele) Newbury, MA and children Lily and Julia Ackerly. There are 9 great grandchildren; Jordan, Collin, Payton, Madison, Dalton, Benjamin, Samantha, Brayden, and Jackson; his sister-in-law; Frances Keeler, Middletown, NY., and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Donald and Ronnie Keeler; Youngsville, NY. He was predeceased by his wife Bette, on November 11, 2009, and his son Robert Ackerly.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 18,2010 at 11AM at the United Church of Roscoe, Rte 206 & Church Street, Roscoe with the Rev. David Collins, officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery, Roscoe.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Ackerly's memory may be made to DVH Volunteers, Attn: Community Relations, 2 Titus Place, Walton, NY 13856.