Gerald Lee "Jerry" Ackerman

Gerald L. “Jerry” Ackerman, 79, of Perry Township, passed away late Saturday evening, October 1, 2022.  Born in Massillon, June 12, 1943, a son to the late Thomas W. and Janice M. (Atkinson) Ackerman, Jerry attended the former Navarre High School, completed his GED, and graduated from Akron Machining Institute.  He had worked as a machinist for Hercules Engines in Canton and retired from Rexroth Corp. in Wooster.  An active 45-year member of the UAW, he served his fellow members as a steward and as president of Canton Local 161.

A devoted husband and a loving and supportive dad, grandpa and great-grandpa, Jerry placed his wife and family at the center of his life.  He was always there for them and never missed a sporting event, concert, or play, especially when his grandchildren were involved.  He was the consummate fan and a dedicated supporter of all things surrounding the Perry High School Panthers.  He was even an “Adopted Grandparent” of the Perry Girls Volleyball team. 

Predeceased by his parents; his wife of 43 years, Diann “Jean” (Holmes) Ackerman; and his brothers, Thomas R. and Daniel M. Ackerman; Jerry is survived by his children, Spring L. (Chris) Altman, of Brunswick, Ohio, and Gerald P. (Heather) Ackerman of Bowerston, Ohio; his grandchildren, Jacob (Amber) Altman and Nick Altman, Sasha and Preston Ackerman; two great-granddaughters; and his sister, Sherry Wendell, of Canal Fulton, Ohio.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, October 6, 2022, at Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Massillon.  Chaplain Patricia Beadle will officiate, and burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Perry Township.  The family will receive condolences Wednesday evening, October 5, 2022, from 6-8:00 p.m. in the funeral home.  

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