Ronald Carl Ackerman

Ronald Carl Ackerman, a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle, veteran, and community leader, passed away after a long journey with Parkinson’s Disease. Ron left behind a profound legacy of love, hard work, and laughter.

Born on November 23, 1940, in Rochester, New York, Ron was the only child born into the loving home of Carl and Bertha Ackerman. Throughout his school days, Ron was always an active youth, running track, playing baseball, basketball, and playing the trumpet in the school marching band. His musical prowess allowed him to be a soloist for the Grey Knights Drum and Bugle Corp from 1957 to 1965.

At the tender age of 17, Ron attended a local sock hop where he met Marilyn. He instantly knew she was the one for him. Marilyn’s family quickly embraced Ron and his parents, weaving them into the fabric of their own lives. Ron and Marilyn were married on July 13, 1963, and after knowing each other for 70 years, would have celebrated their milestone 64th wedding anniversary this coming summer.

Together, Ron and Marilyn built a beautiful life and welcomed three sons: Mark on April 11, 1964; Kurt on March 4, 1966; and Todd on February 9, 1970. Ron was fiercely dedicated to providing for his family. He began his career in the chemicals division at Kodak while balancing family life and night school while obtaining his chemistry degree. Demonstrating immense perseverance, Ron spent 12 years attending night classes to graduate Magna Cum Laude with his master’s degree in finance and marketing from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in 1972. Amidst his early career and education, Ron also proudly answered the call to duty, serving in the United States Army from May 1962 until completing his active duty and reserve obligations in November 1967. While in the service, Ron performed with the Army band, allowing him to play for President Johnson at the White House.

In 1973, Ron accepted a promotion with Xerox, sparking a new family adventure that relocated them to Glen Ellen, Illinois, while Ron commuted to downtown Chicago. Three years later, another well-deserved promotion brought the family to Plano, Texas. Plano became their permanent home, the place where Ron and Marilyn truly settled and made a lifelong impact on the community.

Ron’s devotion to youth, faith, and community life was a hallmark of his character. He would start little league baseball in both Glen Ellen and Plano to give the local communities an organized place to play baseball. The leagues grew to the point that Ron then started an umpire clinic to compliment the leagues he established. He served as a constant guide to his three boys, coaching every sport they played, including baseball, basketball, soccer, and football. His passion for mentorship was so deep that he continued coaching youth sports long after his own sons had outgrown them. Ron also brought joy to young children as a performer for the Kids Count Players, using puppetry to entertain and educate local kindergarten through second-grade students. The puppeteer group worked on behalf of the Children’s Advocacy Center to prevent child abuse.

In addition to his youth volunteerism, Ron was on the Plano Community Home Board for 16 years, helping facilitate the addition of several new senior living centers. Ron would also serve as the president of his local Homeowner’s Association. In addition, Ron was a man of faith, actively participating in his community as a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Mark The Evangelist Catholic Church in Plano.

A true leader and an inspiration to his sons, Ron possessed a classic do-it-yourself mentality. During the summers, he even worked alongside his boys umpiring local baseball games. As a father, he was always available for homework help, offering boundless patience paired with just the right amount of humor. He was a master at loosening up a room, lightening the mood, and ensuring that everyone around him had a good time.

This same inclusive leadership style defined his professional life. Ron built an impressive career in leadership and corporate management, earning the respect of colleagues and clients. Ron entered every new corporate role with a genuine willingness to listen and learn from his teams. He empowered his employees to make decisions, stepping in with wise mentorship to straighten the ship only when necessary. Ron retired in 2006 as a Regional Vice President from Iron Mountain Security, a milestone celebrated deeply by his family and colleagues alike.

Ron and Marilyn traveled the world together, whether with family, friends or the 22 trips he earned through work. They loved exploring new places and creating beautiful memories with family, friends and colleagues.

A special thank you to all the love and support over the past few years from family, friends and the medical teams and staff at the offices of Dr. Kinra, Dr. Bovikati, Julia Wieck and Dr O’Suilleabhain, the VNA and the staff at The Outlook Memory Care where Ron was cared for with love for his final days.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn Ackerman; his three sons and their wives, Mark and Lisa Ackerman, Kurt and Kim Ackerman, and Todd and Kerri Ackerman. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Lucas Quiocho (Kelly), Lacee Ackerman, Lorynne Ackerman, Mathew Ackerman, Missy Wilmon (Nolan), Alexandria Coons (Larry), Mikaela Pothitakis (Nicholas), and Taylor Ackerman; and his four adored great-grandchildren, Kaden Quiocho, Tate Wilmon, Kase Wilmon, and Adelene Pothitakis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Bertha Ackerman.

Ron's life was a masterclass in dedication, joy, and service. He will be deeply missed by the family he anchored and the community he helped build.

A funeral mass will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, May 29, 2026, at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Plano Texas

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ron’s memory to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/ or Parkinson’s Foundation at https://www.parkinson.org/