Southwick – Barclay H. Ackerman, 84, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday September 23, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 4, 1933 to the late Paul and Elizabeth (Barclay) Ackerman in New York City and grew up in Malvern NY. Barclay attended Duke University where he met the love of his life, Joan (Brett) Ackerman, to whom he was married for 62 years. The two settled in Westfield in 1955 and lived there for over 40 years where they raised three children. Barclay was employed for many years in the retail industry, as a salesman, manager, and purchaser of men’s clothing at several local establishments including Joseph’s, Lou Dramin, VeJohn’s, and Yale Genton. Barclay loved music and was a trombone player in the Duke University Marching Band. He retired to Southwick in 1998 and spent much of his time traveling with his wife. He was an amateur radio operator, a member of the Westfield Camera Club, Southwick Lions Club, was an avid fan of aviation, and was a communicant of First Congregational Church. Barclay’s kindness and good nature affected all of those he knew, and his greatest times were spent with his family. In addition to his loving wife, Barclay leaves behind his brother Bruce Ackerman (Stan) of Dallas TX, his three children Karen Wzorek (Joseph) of Southwick MA, Paul Ackerman (Robin) of Topsfield MA, and Mark Ackerman (Laurel) of Broad Brook CT; also six treasured grandchildren Joseph (Laura), Brenda (Bob), Matt (Hannah), Niles, Dean, and Francine. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Capuano Home Health Care, Baystate Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, and especially to Sherri. At the request of the family services will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Southwick Lions Club, P.O. Box 352, Southwick, MA 01077. Assisting the family is the Southwick Forastiere Family Funeral Home, 624 College Highway, Southwick. Personal condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.forastiere.com
