Theodore Ackerman

Theodore Ackerman of Westlake Village, CA passed away on Sunday, May 31st, 2026 at the age of 82. He was born on February 24, 1944 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. His family moved to San Bernadino, CA when he was seven years old to open a family furniture store business.

Ted started his career at the State Division of Highways. However, he would soon find his calling to enter the shoe industry. He started at Kenney’s shoes and then moved to sales at May Co. Where he met his beautiful bride to be working in the bridal department. Ted pursued Lois until she finally agreed to go on a date!

From the department store floor, Ted would go onto be a shoe buyer for May Co., onto Goldblatt Brothers in Chicago and then onto Scottsdale to work for Arizona Shoe Company. Ted’s love of shoes and his skill for design took him down the path of design and wholesale sales where he would make his mark with companies like LJ Simone, Greater L.A. and Yellow Box Shoes. He was well known in the industry as the person who turned everything he touched into gold.

Ted also loved to play tennis and run in his younger years. He loved water, swimming in the ocean and playing with his grandkids. His love of good food and wine was a pleasure to experience, and his zest for life and laughter made him light up the room. He was the funniest man with the biggest heart.

He is preceded in death by his parents Milton and Florence Ackerman, his mother and father-in-law Lilburn and Edith Johnson and his three brothers Norman, Larry and Michael.

He is survived by his wife Lois of 57 years, daughters Michelle and Marsha. His son-in-laws Travis and Al and his three grandchildren, Banner, Jamison and Harper.

Ted was loved by many. He created a beautiful family and friendships that spread far and wide. His motto was to give love and accept whatever returned. His career was one of passion, relationships and success and he was known in the shoe industry and the Man with the Midas Touch. He helped many along the way and his laughter will stay with us forever in our souls.

Family and friends are invited to attend the service at Pearce Brothers in Westlake Village on Monday June 29 at 2pm.