Joseph E. Ackerman

Joseph E. Ackerman , 90 of Bradenton, FL, passed away Thursday, April 25th surrounded by his family. Joe was born in Newark, NJ and resided in Cranford, NJ for 40 years before retiring to Bradenton in 1998. He is a member of Saint Bernard Catholic Church. He retired as president of Mercury Pallets of New Jersey. He served with the US Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. During his service he was twice awarded the Purple Heart as well as the President Unit Citation, Korea Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. He spent his time with his family, which was the center of his life, fishing every chance he got and taking care of his beautiful flowers. He is predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Regina Ackerman and brothers Matthew, James and Jack. He is survived by Rosemarie Weber, his wife, and Johanna Kafka, his sister. He is also survived by his children Joseph Ackerman and wife Bobbi of New Jersey, Debra Chasanoff and husband Andy of Bradenton and Timothy Ackerman and wife Robin of St. Petersburg. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Michael, Marc, Thomas, Timothy, Brian, Trevor, Jocelyn, Jackie and Jaime as well as his great-grandchildren, Titus, Hope and James Joseph. Joe is also survived by loving nieces and nephews. He was a kind, gentle, wonderful man who shared his life with us, teaching us how to learn, grow and love. He was a role model for all and will be dearly missed. A funeral mass will be offered Tuesday, May 14th at 10:00 am, St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 South Harbor Dr., Holmes Beach, FL 34217 followed by a military service at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota 34241 at 2:30 (must arrive by 2:00).