Herbert Akelman

Herbert Akelman, age 92, previous longtime resident of Amenia, New York, currently of Westerville, Ohio, passed away Sunday, May 12, 2013. Herbert was born in Brooklyn, New York, son of the late Irving and Esther Akelman. Herbert was a proud WWII Veteran serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a decorated B-24 Bomber Pilot earning the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal as well as the WWII Victory Medal. Following the war, Herbert returned to Amenia and was the proprietor of the ACE Cleaners, the family owned business. Herbert had a great sense of humor, quick wit and an infectious love of life. He was a sports enthusiast, enjoyed reading and music, especially classical and jazz, and also found much joy in singing and playing the piano by ear. He was a longtime member of the Amenia Lions Club, the Amenia Volunteer Fire Department and served as a member of the Webutuck Central School Board of Education in Amenia, New York. Herbert was pre deceased by his loving wife of 52 years Elizabeth Clark Akelman. He will be remembered as a devoted son, husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by his children, Dr. Edward (Vickie) Akelman, Laurie (Tony) Saggese, Lynne (Martyn) Redgrave, Col. Andrew (Sonya) Akelman, and Robert (Donna) Akelman; eleven grandchildren; sisters, Dorothy (Gilbert) Palay and Shirley Bookless; and many other extended family members and dear friends. Private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Air Force Museum Foundation, www.airforcemuseum.com. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.