NEW BERLIN - Robert D. Ackley, 83, of South New Berlin, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 27, 2020.

He was born on Dec. 30, 1936, in the town of Franklin, to the late Lynn and Mary Ackley.

After graduating from Franklin Central with the class of 1955, he worked in construction on the Cannonsville Reservoir and later for Treadwell Lumber Co.

Robert married his high school sweetheart, Claudine Butts, on Oct. 6, 1956, at the Methodist Church in Franklin.

In 1965, Bob and Claudine purchased a dairy farm in Schenevus. In 1971, they moved to South New Berlin on a larger farm.

Bob was active in several farm organizations, as well as serving many years on the Butternuts Town Board.

He was a mentor and a role model to the many young people that were employed on Ack-Acres farm throughout the years.

When the farm was sold in 2001, Bob was proud that his herd was one of the top producing herds in New York State. Retirement years found him happily operating heavy equipment, working in the woods and he finally had time to enjoy Western movies, especially John Wayne. Through the years, Bob and Claudine enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S., eating out and his annual fishing trips.

Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Claudine; sons, Douglas and wife, Joddy and James and wife, Sharon, all of South New Berlin; grandchildren, Annette and David Patt of Fairport, Jennifer and Brian Shaffer of Farmington, Megan and Erik Scrivener of Norwich, Nicole and Justin Smith of New Berlin, Rachel Ackley of Oyster Bay, Cory and Kara Ackley of South New Berlin and Crystal and Christian Capello-Colon of Stamford, Connecticut; 13 great-grandchildren; and four step-grandsons. He is also survived by his brother, Roger and wife, Frances Ackley of Franklin; brother-in-law, Gerald and wife, Phyllis Butts of Davenport; as well as many cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.

A celebration of life will be planned and announced at a later date.

Memorial donations in his name may be made to White Store Church & Cemetery Association, 644 White Store Road, South New Berlin, NY, or South New Berlin Fire Department at 3327 State Highway 8, Box 1P, South New Berlin, NY, 13843.

Arrangements have been entrusted to R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.