John “Pete” Ackerman November 19, 1946 - May 2, 2020

John Wayne “Pete” Ackerman passed on Saturday, May 2nd surrounded by his loving wife and children at the age of 73 after a long-fought battle with Alzheimer’s. 

He was born November 19, 1946 in California, Ohio to John W. & Betty A. (Cramer) Ackerman and was raised in part by his beloved Aunt Elizabeth “Liz” Hausfield. 

Pete is survived by his loving wife Debra Ackerman and his four children, Kimberly (Steve) Kiley, Nicole (Greg) Drach, Dusty Ackerman and Justin (Cristina) Ackerman, beloved mother-in-law Dolores “Dee” D’Ambrosio and numerous brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews.  

He was extremely proud of being “Papaw” to his eleven grandchildren, Erica, Colin, Tyler, Gabrielle, Madeline, Taylor, Stephanie, Tate, Tessa, Benjamin and Penelope and his only great-grandchild Ridlee Marie. 

Pete was an extremely hard-working individual and successful business owner. He started the Ackerman Pool Company in the 70’s and for over 40 years Pete left his mark on thousands of backyards throughout the region. His work ethic was seconded only to his fierce loyalty to those close to him as he employed only his family and close family friends for the entire 40 plus years, he owned the business. 

Some of Pete’s passions included horse racing, gardening and football, but none more so than spending time at the beach. During his later years, Pete and Debbie escaped the cold mid-west winters at their home away from home in Gulfport, Florida with several of their closest friends. 

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Anthology of Anderson for their care during the last year of Pete’s life and extend our sincere gratitude to the amazing staff of Heartland Hospice who cared for him during his last days. 

  A graveside service will be held at Mt. Moriah Cemetery on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.