Melvin Ackerman

Dec 1, 1943 -

Nov 8, 2023

Melvin "Mel" R. Ackerman passed away in peace at home in Anchorage, Alaska, on Nov. 8, 2023, after a full and rich life. He was just shy of his 80th birthday.

Mel was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., in December 1943. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and served on a destroyer that was deployed as part of the Cuban Missile Crisis. After the Navy, he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor's degree in public administration and a master's in business administration while working as a police officer in Pittsburgh. He moved his family to Anchorage in 1979 to work on "The Slope" at Standard Oil of Ohio, and later worked at British Petroleum and Alyeska Pipeline before leaving the oil industry and working at ATU and GCI. Through the years he shifted his focus from security to human resources, all with the intent of helping others.

Mel enjoyed fishing for - and occasionally catching - fish, traveling with Joanne in their motorhome and drinking coffee and wine. He loved woodworking, particularly making birdhouses. He was an avid reader of mostly history and historical fiction books, and a fan of history. He would visit Costco frequently, where he would often find deals to donate to local charities. Most of all, he loved his family and loved helping people. He was kind, caring, thoughtful and generous with the people in his life and wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. He always had a story ready or advice to share.

Mel is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joanne (Sanker); three children, Doug (Shelly), Ken (Michelle) and Mary Beth (Eric); five grandchildren, Sydney (Seth Eckert), Scott (Roberta), Cory, Alexander (Madeline) and Lucas; and younger siblings, Ron (Tomisine), Dee Maloney and Patty Lageman (Ray). He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Johanna.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church on Dec. 1, 2023, at 4 p.m., with a Rosary preceding at 3:30 p.m., and a reception immediately following.

The family asks that donations be made to Catholic Social Services, Covenant House or the charity of your choice, in lieu of flowers.