Oneonta, New York - ONEONTA - Richard L. Ackerly, 91, passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown from health complications. He was the son of Frank and Elizabeth Ackerley of Margaretville and was born in Margaretville Aug. 11, 1933.

Rich was predeceased by his wife, Barbara Ada (Wart); brother-in-law, Clive W. (Dawn) Wart; sister-in-law, Elaine (AI) Codington; sisters, Ruth Ondish, Arlene Deegan, Glenna Jester; and brother, infant Thomas Ackerley.

He is survived by his stepson, DK Lifgren, Jr.; step-grandson, Dustyn K. Lifgren of East Falmouth, Massachusetts; his only living sibling, Shirley A. DeSilva of Virginia Beach, Virginia; sisters-in-law, Sandra Cerosaletti of Unadilla and Cheryl L. (Gary R.) Newton of Oneonta; and nieces Linda G. Dickman and Tamara A. Baessler; and nephews Thomas Deegan, Peter Deegan and Michael Ondish.

Richard retired from the United States Air Force as Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) in June 1974. He served at many locations overseas including three terms in Vietnam with 366 TFS. He belonged to American Legion Post 216 of Middletown and VFW Post 487 of Davenport. He may be remembered from working for state Conservation at Belleayre Mountain Resort, Highmount, Special Olympics chairman for Delaware County, and night shift supervisor custodian at State University of New York Oneonta. He was true and dedicated to his church, community, military and family. He loved to be in nature, gardening, fishing and doing the "Right Thing." His biggest passion was woodworking projects and reading daily Bible scriptures.

Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 9 at Elm Park United Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut St., Oneonta with the Rev. John Buddle officiating. Burial will follow in Oneonta Plains Cemetery.

To send the family an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home.