Robert V. Ackerman, Sr.

Rutland - Robert V. Ackerman, Sr., 73, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, after a long and courageous struggle with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Born and raised in Worcester, Bob was the son of the late Robert E. and Dorothy L. (Hulton) Ackerman. He made his home in Rutland for the past 50 years, where he built a home and a life centered on family, friendship, and devotion to those he loved most. He leaves behind his cherished wife and best friend, Sandra Ann (Esposito) Ackerman, with whom he would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on September 11 of this year.

Besides Sandy, Bob leaves his son, Robert "Rob" V. Ackerman, Jr. and his companion, Alex DiPietro of Oxford; his daughter, Meagan M. Ackerman of Rutland; his beloved son-in-law, Andrew Decarolis of Rutland; a brother, Gary Ackerman of Virginia; four grandchildren, Layla and Cameron Decarolis, and Joseph and Christopher Ackerman-Strong; as well as several sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Bob was a graduate of Burncoat Senior High School, Class of 1971, where he played varsity baseball. Following high school, he furthered his education and pursued his passion for auto mechanics, working for McFee and Newton in Worcester.

In the late 1970s, Bob joined his father at Auburn Industrial Tool, the family business, where he quickly advanced into a management role alongside his brother, Gary. He later continued his career in industrial management with Reed-Rico, where he worked for several years.

In 2011, Bob accepted the position of Director of St. John's Cemetery, which later became part of the Diocesan Cemetery System, overseeing more than 30 Catholic cemeteries throughout the Diocese of Worcester. Through his leadership, vision, and strong organizational skills, he helped guide the transition to a centrally managed system that served Catholic cemeteries across Worcester County. He devoted over 20 years to his role as director and superintendent, serving families with compassion, professionalism, and unwavering care.

Bob was deeply rooted in his Rutland community and lived as a man with vision and purpose. He was a longtime member of the Rutland Lions Club and the Rutland Sportsmen's Club, giving his time and energy in service to both organizations.

With a lifelong love of baseball, Bob served as a board member and treasurer of the Rutland County Little League, where he also coached his son's team for many years. Recognizing the growing needs of the program and the community, Bob envisioned a new baseball field for local youth. He took the initiative to bring that vision to life, organizing community leaders and local businesses to help plan and construct what is now known as the Charles D. Marsh Field.

In his spare time, Bob enjoyed his lifelong passion of drag racing. Throughout his life you could find Bob racing at New England Dragway, Oxford Plains Speedway, or Lebanon Valley Speedway in either driving a 1967 Chevy Camaro, 1972 Chevy Vega, or Chevy Beretta. He was affectionately called "The Swede" by his racing buddies.

Another shared joy for Bob and Sandy was their love of animals. Over the years, they took great pride in raising Golden Retrievers and caring for rescue dogs, and their home was always filled with the comfort of wagging tails. They also enjoyed tending to their chickens and were never without a few beloved cats, each one adding its own personality and warmth to their lives.

First and foremost Bob was a family man. He cherished spending time with family and most recently playing with his grandchildren and listening while they read to him and doing word search. He was kind and generous of his time and always willing to help a friend or neighbor. He looked forward to vacationing on the Cape at their Harwich home.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bob's family from 1 to 4 pm on Thursday, May 14, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden, followed by a service honoring and remembering Bob's life at 4 pm. Interment will be held privately at Rural Cemetery in Rutland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rutland Food Pantry - St. Patrick's Church, 9 Pommogussett Road, Rutland, MA 01543, Rutland Lion's Club, c/o Carolyn Carbonneau, 4 Beechwood Drive, Rutland, MA 01543, or the Alzheimer's Association, 320 Nevada St., Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460 (www.alz.org/manh).