Dr. Harold C. Ackerman
February 28, 1943 — April 6, 2024
Dr. Harold C. Ackerman
Dr. Harold Clayton Ackerman, age 81 of Briar Creek Township, passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones on April 6, 2024.
Harold was born in Wilkes-Barre in February 28, 1943, the second child of the late Harold C. and Verna Litzenberger Ackerman. His family moved to Benton where he was raised. Harold graduated from Benton High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Bloomsburg State College; a Master of Arts in English from The University of Kansas; and a PhD in Rhetoric and Linguistics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
In August of 1964 he married the love of his life, Jane Ruth (Archer) Ackerman. They were blessed with a long life together and two children: Eric C. Ackerman, spouse of Amy Dobson Ackerman, Danville; and Christopher S. Ackerman, spouse of Erin Hess Ackerman, Orangeville. They have three grandsons: Logan S. Ackerman, spouse of Tristan DeCarlo, Bloomsburg; Clayton W. Ackerman and Colin J. Ackerman, as well as a great-grandson, Elijah DeCarlo. Harold was forever exceedingly proud of his sons and their families.
Harold's teaching career spanned over 35 years from 1965 to 2003 and included positions at Jersey Shore Area Junior High School; at Kansas and Binghamton, where he was a teaching assistant; at Keystone Junior College, where he was a tenured instructor and lastly at Bloomsburg University where he spent over two decades teaching courses such as Composition, Basic Writing, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Harold designed and taught the first ESOL course offered at Bloomsburg University.
His publication record includes short fiction, poetry, an interview with Canadian novelist Joy Kogawa, and a variety of small pieces, in addition to professional papers. In his retirement, Harold returned to an old interest in photography, placing photo art in a variety of online and print magazines. In his final weeks, Harold submitted a collection of poems and photography for publication.
Predeceasing him besides his parents was a sister, Sandra L. Hill, spouse of Stewart Hill, Glen Mawr. He is survived by two brothers, Craig D. Ackerman, spouse of Chris Ackerman, Montgomery; and Grant D. Ackerman, Berwick.
Harold was an active member and supporter of Bethany Church of Berwick. Harold always rooted for the underdog. He had a heart for serving others.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made in Harold's name to the Northern Columbia Community and Cultural Center in Benton; the Orangeville Public Library in Orangeville, Bethany Church of Berwick, Berwick or The Children's Museum in Bloomsburg.
Rock chalk...Jay-Hawk...KU!
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Dean W. Kriner inc. Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg.
Harold was born in Wilkes-Barre in February 28, 1943, the second child of the late Harold C. and Verna Litzenberger Ackerman. His family moved to Benton where he was raised. Harold graduated from Benton High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Bloomsburg State College; a Master of Arts in English from The University of Kansas; and a PhD in Rhetoric and Linguistics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
In August of 1964 he married the love of his life, Jane Ruth (Archer) Ackerman. They were blessed with a long life together and two children: Eric C. Ackerman, spouse of Amy Dobson Ackerman, Danville; and Christopher S. Ackerman, spouse of Erin Hess Ackerman, Orangeville. They have three grandsons: Logan S. Ackerman, spouse of Tristan DeCarlo, Bloomsburg; Clayton W. Ackerman and Colin J. Ackerman, as well as a great-grandson, Elijah DeCarlo. Harold was forever exceedingly proud of his sons and their families.
Harold's teaching career spanned over 35 years from 1965 to 2003 and included positions at Jersey Shore Area Junior High School; at Kansas and Binghamton, where he was a teaching assistant; at Keystone Junior College, where he was a tenured instructor and lastly at Bloomsburg University where he spent over two decades teaching courses such as Composition, Basic Writing, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Harold designed and taught the first ESOL course offered at Bloomsburg University.
His publication record includes short fiction, poetry, an interview with Canadian novelist Joy Kogawa, and a variety of small pieces, in addition to professional papers. In his retirement, Harold returned to an old interest in photography, placing photo art in a variety of online and print magazines. In his final weeks, Harold submitted a collection of poems and photography for publication.
Predeceasing him besides his parents was a sister, Sandra L. Hill, spouse of Stewart Hill, Glen Mawr. He is survived by two brothers, Craig D. Ackerman, spouse of Chris Ackerman, Montgomery; and Grant D. Ackerman, Berwick.
Harold was an active member and supporter of Bethany Church of Berwick. Harold always rooted for the underdog. He had a heart for serving others.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made in Harold's name to the Northern Columbia Community and Cultural Center in Benton; the Orangeville Public Library in Orangeville, Bethany Church of Berwick, Berwick or The Children's Museum in Bloomsburg.
Rock chalk...Jay-Hawk...KU!
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Dean W. Kriner inc. Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg.
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