Gary Grant Ackerman

Birth date: Apr 1, 1951 Death date: Aug 3, 2024

On Saturday, August 3, 2024, Gary Grant Ackerman, loving father, son, brother, cousin, uncle, grandfather, and friend to many, passed away peacefully at the age of 73. Born on April 1, 1951, Gary grew up and lived the majority of Read Obituary

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Scott Vordeburg

3d ago

From Scott Vordeburg
I don't where to start. I have been out of touch for years. I was shocked and saddened to read of Gary's passing. I still can't believe it. Gary and I and also Terry B used to hang out together ,double date go to Clear water quarry , shoot pool in my dad's bar. One night Gary and I was shooting pool (partner's) and we were playing for a beer. at the end of the night we couldn't fit any more bottles on top of that old player piano against the wall. One day long ago Gary and I was helping Vince with yard work and Grandma was cooking spaghetti sauce all day. When we were done we sat down and had the best spaghetti I ever had in my life! Later that night Gary and I had a double date and we smelled like garlic! we could not get rid of the garlic smell. Grandma gave us parsley to chew up but it still didn't work. Needless to say we did not get lucky that night. Although we have been out of touch for a long time ,I remember those moments like it was yesterday. I am heart broken and very sad . I just recently read about Gary . I wish the best for Gary's family and may God Bless Gary Akerman !
Scott

Linda Jones

72w ago

Dear Shannon and Family

My family and I share heartfelt condolences to everyone for the passing of Gary. Shannon thank you for the loving care you gave to your father for the past several years. We are beyond grateful to you.

My first memory of meeting Gary (and Paul) was in Baltimore, Maryland. My mother took me to Baltimore on a train ride to see my cousins and Aunt Tina for Easter. It was so special! I thought Gary and Paul to be the luckiest kids in the world. Why? Because they lived in a high rise apartment complex that was full of kids of all ages with playgrounds and a forest behind the building.

Gary and Paul came back to live on Michigan Street with Grandma. At that time I lived there along with Vince, Uncle Eddie, Uncle Joe, Aunt Bonnie and Aunt Tina. Imagine all the aunts and uncles were in their twenties and in and out of the house. Recall that Grandma's house had two bedrooms. We had a huge yard with a surrounding ten foot fence next to the railroad tracks, a huge garden and a dog named Spunky. Gary incurred polio and he wore braces on his legs. Grandma swore it was because he played in the dirty rain water puddles in the street. Gary survived the polio at a young age but he experienced leg issues in later life.

Gary, Paul and I attended St. Michael's School together. Gary and I were in the same class and I kept an eye on him. We considered ourselves rich kids of the north end. We were rich in so many ways. Grandma would dig into the bottom of her purse to give us her change so we could buy candy that they sold on the playground. There was always food on the stove. We had to play outside! Oatmeal, spaghetti, nature, wild aunts and uncles and love set the baseline for our future. Babies came first and the kids ruled supreme.

Gary was my first best friend. We shared both joy and fear of the "animal train" growing up. I have many many great early years of childhood memories that I shared with Gary. I am fortunate to have shared that with him. His memory will not be forgotten. Sending love to all.

Your cousin,

Linda

Paul Ackerman

72w ago

To my baby brother Gary Grant Ackerman - I was so jealous of you when you had rehab for your legs in a big swimming pool. I really loved to swim. We grew up together and I dominated the airflow in our bedroom until you knocked me out with the telephone. Mutual respect grew from that incident. So much so that you followed me into the US Navy. So many wonderful highs that far outpaced the lows. I will miss your grouchy smile (I knew it was only an act!) and your love of riding your motorcycle. I will miss hearing your stories of your children. Most of all Brother - I will miss you. Lord, your servant petitions you once more. Please grant my Brother the Glory of your Face today. Please ensure that his super wonderful dog Red greets him on his arrival. I ask you this in Your Son's Name.

Heidi Mahr

72w ago

Gary was a staple of my childhood. He was always kind, but we knew not to mess around Shannon and family, I am so sorry for your loss.

Linda Jones

72w ago

Dear Shannon and Family

Your cousin,

Linda

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