Ackerman, Stephen Macy Sr.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Stephen Macy Ackerman Sr. passed away peacefully on October 10, 2021.

Stephen was born in Newburgh, N.Y. on November 15, 1950. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; and a dedicated Christian who enjoyed serving his community volunteering at his church’s food pantry and soup kitchen for many years. When he was younger, Stephen was also proud to serve his community from the age of 17 years old as a firefighter with the Walden Fire Department before he was drafted in the U.S. Army in 1970.

His kind and caring heart will never be forgotten. Stephen was a generous man who always went out of his way to help anyone, and he was always willing to give some of his personal collections or treasures that he really liked to someone just because he wanted them to have them.

Stephen loved making everyone laugh with his kind hearted pranks and funny expressions that he made up himself. Anyone that really knew Stephen, will remember him for his "Stephen-isms."

He served his country proudly for over 17 years in the United States Army. Staff Sgt. Ackerman had an avid military career where he did multiple tours abroad.

Stephen was a loving and supportive father of his five children, Nellie Vellano, Lisa Tott, Deborah Purvis, Stephen Ackerman Jr., and Jessica Ackerman, who were the loves of his life. Stephen also leaves behind sixteen grandchildren and one great-granddaughter who he loved and adored.

Dad, "I love you once, I love you twice, I love you more than kimchi and rice." We love you, your children.

Relatives and friends may call from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 20, at the William J. Burke & Sons /Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. Burial with full military honors will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the memory of Staff Sgt. Stephen Macy Ackerman Sr. to the Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association Inc., 200 Duell Rd, Suite 1 Schuylerville, NY, 12871 or at snchga.org.

Online remembrances may be made at www. burkefuneralhome.com. tor’s Office, and was the first African American sergeant at arms for the New York State Senate. The highlight of Louie’s phenomenal professional career included 25 years with the FBI where he retired as the special agent in charge.

An avid reader and dedicated sports fan, especially of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Louie used his love of sports to mentor young people. He traveled the world, including his annual trip to Aruba with his beloved wife Peggie. Louie consistently found joy by spending time with his family and friends over a savory meal that almost always included chicken.

Louie was a life member of his beloved Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., including being an active member and past president of the Beta Pi Lambda Chapter in Albany. In addition, Louie was a member of the Masons, Prince Hall PA #62; the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement; County Detectives Association of New Jersey; and the International, New York State, and New Jersey Associations of Chiefs of Police.

Louie, a loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, mentor, and protector, is survived by his wife, Peggie; sons, Deputy Sheriff Christopher B. Allen, and Jonathan F. Allen; grandchildren, Christopher B. Allen Jr., Sydney N. Allen, Brandon L. Allen, and Sophia A. Allen; his siblings, Richard C. Rhodes Jr. and Dawn Allen; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Theodore B. Jones.

Services will be held on Friday, October 22, in John’s Church of God in Christ, 74 Fourth Ave., Albany. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Face masks are required. Interment will be in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, Pa., at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the George Biddle Kelley Foundation, P.O. Box 14692, Albany, NY, 12212 or electronically via www. gbkfoundation.org/donate.

To sign the guestbook or light a candle in remembrance, please visit www. brycefh.com. and in 1965 began working for the New York Telephone Company. She worked as a service representative and then office manager until her retirement in 1995 after 30 years of service. Carole was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and the Association of Bell Tel Retirees. Carole was also a long-time communicant of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Glenville.

Carole is survived by her daughter, April (Jung) Park of Ballston Spa; her stepsons, Barry Bailiff of Malta, and James Bailiff of Phoenix, Ariz.; and her grandchildren, Ashley Lamere, Morgan Lamere, Levi Park, Daniel Bailiff, Shawn Bailiff, Eric Bailiff, and Ginger Bailiff. She is also survived by several great-grandchildren. Along with her parents, Carole was predeceased by her husband, Wesley Bailiff; grandson Douglas Bailiff; and her brother Richard Paniccia.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Thursday, October 21, from 4 - 6 p.m. at Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Rd, Ballston Lake. Masks are required. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 22, at 10 a.m. in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Saratoga Road, Scotia. Masks are required. Interment will follow in the Pinegrove Cemetery, Charlton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or The Red Cross.

With confidence, the family has placed their trust in the loving care of the Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, Ballston Lake, and they encourage you to view and leave messages on Carole’s Book of Memories at www. Townleywheelerfh.com