Paul Brian Ackley

Long-time Laguna Beach resident Paul Brian Ackley, age 76, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Paul was born in Long Island, New York, and moved to Orange County in his teens. He was an avid marathon runner and hiker who enjoyed daily neighborhood walks, deep-sea fishing with his employees and his son, Alan, and traveling. Paul built a successful career with his manufacturing company, Ackley Metal Products, which started 30 years ago as a one-man metal spinning shop in a small garage focused on aerospace and defense work. The company grew quickly after he helped a medical device company with a new shaver blade, shifting its focus to precision medical manufacturing and expanding into what it is today. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Laurie, with whom he shared three beloved children: Alan, Cindy, and Anthony. The loss of his son, Anthony, in 2011 was a heartbreak he carried with him for the rest of his life.

He later fell in love with Cathy, and they married in 2001. In 2003, they welcomed their beloved daughter, Faith. From 2006 to 2018, Paul and Cathy owned Laguna Coffee Company, where his passion for coffee shone through in his roasting. He carefully selected single-origin coffees from around the world and frequently donated coffee to schools, community events, and dinners for the homeless. He also took joy in providing meals for the Friendship Shelter every month. Though Parkinson’s disease presented challenges, Cathy ensured they still enjoyed traveling and spending quality time together. Music was a constant source of comfort in his life, helping him through difficult times. Paul cherished his weekly visits from his daughter Cindy and was eagerly looking forward to his daughter Faith’s college graduation in May.

Paul is survived by his wife, Cathy; his children, Alan, Cindy, and Faith; his grandchildren, Hailey, Adison, Wyatt, and Benjamin; his brother, Peter; and his sisters, Patti and Peggy.

A visitation for Paul will be held Friday, April 11, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Pacific View Legacy Chapel, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar, California 92625. A funeral service will occur Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Pacific View Legacy Chapel. In place of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.