William C. “Bill” Ackerly, a longtime resident of Wallkill, passed away peacefully at home on October 17, 2023. He was 81.
Bill was the son of the late Hylia Jane Pustola and Rubin Ackerley. He was born on December 5, 1941 in Hurleyville, NY. He graduated from Newburgh Free Academy and served in the United States Navy. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his stepfather, Henry Joseph Pustola and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A skilled mechanic, Bill owned several businesses throughout his life, including Fair Oaks Exxon, Bill’s Transmission and Road Service, and Bill’s Auto Parts. Bill previously owned and trained Standardbred racehorses at his farm in Wallkill. Bill loved to drive and was a bus driver at First Student in Wallkill at the time of his retirement.
Bill was known for his sociable manner, sense of humor, and his support for causes he believed in. He was a former Ombudsman for residents in several nursing homes in Orange County and was a past president of the Family Council at Montgomery Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Montgomery. Bill was always ready to help anyone in need, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Bill is survived by the love of his life, Susanne (Valk) Ackerly, whom he met in 1962 and married on March 28, 1964. He is also survived by his daughter, Dawne and her husband Michael Cocks of Montgomery, and his son, William and his wife, Jamie Ackerly of Wallkill. Bill is further survived by his grandsons, Michael Cocks, III of Portland, Oregon and Mitchel Ackerly of El Paso, Texas, as well as his granddaughters Julienna Ackerly of Wallkill and Shelby Golden and family of Pennsylvania. Bill also leaves behind his sister, Lynne Pustola and Jackie Couzens of Surprise, Arizona, as well as several nieces and a nephew.
In accordance with Bill’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Cremation will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Bill’s name to the Wallkill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, P.O. Box 221, Wallkill, NY 12589.
Arrangements were made by Millspaugh Funeral Directors.