Thomas Dyson Ackerman

Thomas “Buster” Dyson Ackerman, Sr. entered eternal life in the early morning hours on Monday, September 19, 2016. His last weekend with us was filled with love, laughter and a little sadness as children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren came to say their last goodbyes. Tom was born on September 7, 1934 in Worcester, Massachusetts to George and Hilda Ackerman. He was number Five of Twelve children. He enlisted in the United States Navy on March 17, 1953. After completing Recruit Training at the Recruit Training Command in Bainbridge, Maryland, he served on board the USS HORNET (CVA-12), Utility Squadron 3 in Brown Field, California, USS RANGER (CVA-61), Naval Air Station in Point Mugu, California, the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Port Hueneme, California, United States Naval Support Activity, TICONDEROGA (CVA-14), USS KITTY HAWK (CVA-63), Commander, Service Squadron 1 in San Diego, California, the USS TARAWA (LHA-1) and the USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64). His career included two tours of duty to Vietnam. During his Twenty-five years of faithful and honorable service to his country he was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (Six Awards), China Service Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal w/European Clasp, the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He retired as Chief Petty Officer on July 13, 1977. After retiring from the U.S. Navy Tom worked for the San Diego center for Children for 10 years, then for San Diego City Schools as a teachers aide for students with special needs, at various schools throughout San Diego County. A job that sometimes took an emotional toll on him but he loved working with special needs children and they loved him. Tom met his future wife Barbara Lee Joyce on a blind date set up by their friend Joyce. Their first date was in December 1958 where they went to see the movie Vertigo. They were married a year later in a simple ceremony on December 31, 1959 and have four children. Tom and Barbara joined Holy Family parish in 1967. After becoming more interested in the Catholic faith Tom was baptized in the church in 1972, on the same day they had their marriage blessed. Tom went to mass every Sunday and through the years became more involved by teaching CCD and Confirmation classes, going on Marriage Encounter, Cursillo and Youth Encounter retreats. His absolute favorite was being a Special Minister of the Eucharist, which included visits to hospitals and the home bound. After finally retiring for good, most of his days were spent with his grandchildren, either babysitting or going to their various sporting events cheering them on. He loved being a grandpa. His first grandchildren, the twins use to call him “Bumpa” because they couldn’t pronounce grandpa. On the weekends Tom enjoyed sitting on the couch with his favorite snack and watching both college and professional football games. He could tell you anything you wanted to know about the game and all the players. He also enjoyed watching and playing golf. During his years in the U.S. Navy he played and coached softball. He also played for Five years in the La Mesa Senior Softball league during his retirement. He was a very good bowler, playing on leagues with his wife and children at Kearny Mesa Bowl in the 1970’s. Tom was devoted to his faith and family. Yes, he was a little rough around the edges but everybody respected him for his honesty. He spoke the truth and when he said he was going to do something, he committed and followed through with it. He was also a stickler for being on time. Something he learned from his years in the military. We have wonderful childhood memories with our dad growing up in Navy housing, going to Mission Beach and Admiral Bakers Field, road trips to Grandma Root’s house, camping in Sequoia and countless other memories we will cherish forever. He is survived by his wife Barbara, his children Phyllis (Gainer), Donna, Christine and Thomas Jr., Son-in-law James Gainer, daughter-in-law Tina Ackerman, Seven grandchildren, Ten great-grandchildren and One great-great grandson. Four brothers, six sisters, countless in-laws, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, younger brother Richard Ackerman, nieces Darlene Mandella and Diane Berube, and his granddaughter Cheronna Marie Williams. Forever in our hearts. We love you Pops. The entire Ackerman family would like to thank everybody for their love, prayers and support during these past two years. A big thank you to his caregiver Paula Gonzalez, his VA nurse Sue Ransom and his nurses Lisa Marie Hoy and Jazzie Von Ang. A very special thank you to his daughter-in-law Tina Ackerman who spent countless hours helping mom care for him. We will all be forever grateful.