George C. Ackley Jr., age 91, passed away on August 13, 2021 in Marshfield, MA. George was born on June 5, 1930 to Mabel Schryer and George C. Ackley, Sr. in Rutland, VT, and he lived most of his life in Scituate, MA. George’s life of leadership, community service, and scholarship began early, during his years at Rutland High School. He served as class president for 3 years among many other clubs and activities. George excelled in multiple sports including football, basketball, and baseball. He is remembered as “the mainstay of the backfield and of the Class of ‘48”.
George’s father, George Sr., served a total of 30 years between the U.S. Army and Vermont National Guard during both WWI and WWII, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. George Jr. began his own military service when he attended Norwich University. George graduated from Norwich in 1954, as a Distinguished Military Graduate, earning a BA in Psychology and Education, and went on to study Business Administration. George played football at Norwich and was involved in numerous school clubs and organizations, including the Skull and Swords Senior Honor Society and Sigma Phi Epsilon. George’s leadership was evidenced by his achievements in his military training and advancement in the cadet corps at Norwich. As a freshman, George was awarded the Sons of the American Revolution Medal, given to one member of each class for military proficiency. His junior year, George was awarded the Syms Memorial Trophy, given to the junior standing in the top quarter of his class academically and selected by a committee for his outstanding military proficiency. In the spring of 1953, prior to his senior year, George was promoted to the highest rank in the corps at Norwich, that of Cadet Colonel, the Regimental Commander of the Corps of Cadets. At his promotion ceremony to Cadet Colonel, George was presented with the Shuttleworth Saber. During his ROTC training at Fort Knox that summer, George was named the best cadet in his company of 190 men. Representing Norwich University, George received the United States Armor Association Award which was given to the senior highest in armor training. George went on in the fall to successfully command the Regiment as its Cadet Colonel and received the Burch Medal and the Wheatley Medal. George was humble yet extremely proud of his years at Norwich. He remained connected as an active alumnus and was a Lifetime Member of the Partridge Society. At Norwich Homecoming in 2009, 55 years after his graduation, George chose to return his Shuttleworth Saber and presented it to the Regiment, “with the intent that the cadet wearing it will set the example of a true officer, be a strong leader, and live by the values that this great institution instills.” It is noted in the War Whoop 1954, “Athlete, scholar, soldier, gentleman, and collector of trophies, medals, and awards, George Ackley is probably the best cadet colonel Norwich University will ever see.”
George served in the Vermont National Guard from 1948-1952. From 1950-1951, he was on active duty during the time of the Korean War, serving as First Sergeant of a Field Artillery Battery in the U.S. Army 43rd Infantry Division. George was a member of the elite “Green Berets,” serving in Company A of the 11th Special Forces Group (Airborne) USAR from 1965 to 1969. George retired from the USAR as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1976. He remained a proud member of the Reserve Officers Association and the Special Forces Association, Chapter 54. During and after his military service, George had a long career with the New England Telephone Company from 1954 to 1984, continuing when the company became NYNEX from 1984 to 1991. He began his career as an Area Traffic Manager at NET and was promoted to Area Network Manager and Division Manager, and retired in 1992 as Managing Director of NYNEX in Boston, MA. George particularly enjoyed serving as Vice President of Region 12 of the Telephone Pioneers of America, which has become one of the world’s largest corporate volunteer organizations, comprised of telecommunications employees and retirees from AT&T, NET, and Southern New England Telephone.
George was an active parishioner at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Scituate, MA. His faith, his service to the church, and the friendships he forged there brought him much happiness. George was a devoted husband and father and provider for his family, enduring long commutes from Scituate to Boston or catching a ride on the P&B bus from the “Postie” in order to work a job he seemed to truly enjoy. He was a loyal and respected employee throughout his career. George was a proud member of the Scituate American Legion Post 144. He was an avid Patriots fan and former longtime season ticket holder during the Schaefer Stadium years, along with his group of lifelong friends. As frustrating as some of those years were for the Pats team and fans alike, the group always had a great time together. Miller Lite and vodka soup were often on the pregame tailgating menu. George also volunteered for South Shore Hospital’s Lifeline program, as well as performed community service work for the blind and disabled, and was a member of the International Lions Clubs. It is evident that service to others has been a central theme throughout George’s life, as we consider the respective mottos of some of the organizations he was so loyally committed to: Norwich University, “I Will Try”; Green Beret, “De Oppresso Liber” (To free the oppressed); Lions Club, “We Serve”; Pioneers, “United to Serve Others”; the American Legion, “for God and Country.” George C. Ackley’s long lifetime of service, honor, and putting the needs of others before his own speaks for itself, and those of us who knew him at any time during his 91 years were blessed.
George was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Jane Packard Ackley, and his daughter, Ann Rogers Ackley. He is survived by his daughter Susan Paganetti, son in law Robert Paganetti, and grandsons Drew, Nicholas, and Jack; his daughter Jennifer Vogler, son in law David Vogler, and grandsons Noah, Evan, Adam, and David; his son George G. Ackley; his son Bruce Ackley, grandson Brent, and granddaughter Erin; his brother and sister in law John and Debra Packard; nephew John Packard, nephew Matthew Packard, and niece Amy Smereck. With much love and gratitude, George’s family would like to thank the wonderful team in the Memory Care unit at the Village at Proprietor’s Green, and the compassionate caregivers from Beacon Hospice, with special appreciation and heartfelt thanks to George’s long time nurse and angel on earth, Amanda.
Burial will be private, with military honors.
Donations in George C. Ackley’s memory may be made to the following:
Scituate Animal Shelter
780 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Scituate, MA 02066
Scituate Community Christmas
125 Mann Lot Road, Scituate, MA 02066
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