Albert John Ackermann, affectionately known as Al or Buddy, peacefully passed away on June 25, 2023, in Cincinnati, Ohio, surrounded by his loving children. Born on September 14, 1949, in Saint Louis, Missouri, his remarkable journey was marked by his achievements as an elite swimmer, successful career in banking, and his role as a devoted father.

An accomplished swimmer, Al’s love for the sport was cultivated as the son of a swim camp owner. He excelled in swimming at The Williston Northampton School and Harvard University and traveled abroad as a member of the US swim team. Despite facing health challenges, including a rare form of blood poisoning, rectal cancer, and a battle with a neurological disease, Al’s unwavering spirit remained strong.

In his professional life, Al achieved success as a banker, earning respect within his field. He also actively participated in ToastMasters International, nurturing his public speaking skills and forming meaningful connections.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Al treasured his personal life and the invaluable relationships he cultivated. He was a devoted and proud father to his children, AJ Ackermann, Grant Ackermann, and Elizabeth (Ackermann) Hogan. Their shared experiences were filled with laughter and cherished memories, including deep-sea fishing, go-karting and engaging in spirited rounds of putt-putt golf in Al’s favorite place – Naples, Florida.

Al’s adoration extended to his beloved grandchildren, Oliver Hogan and Harvey Hogan, as he enthusiastically followed their progress in swimming classes. Al found joy swimming, reading, savoring symphonic music, and passionately supporting his hometown baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals. He also had a fondness for movies and was an active member of Masters Swimming. Al maintained a lifelong friendship with his ex-spouse, Cindy Ackermann, offering mutual support throughout life’s journey.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Albert John Ackermann. He is survived by his children, AJ Ackermann, Grant Ackermann, and Elizabeth Ackermann (Patrick Hogan), as well as his sisters, Bev Shoop (Dee Shoop) and Janet Zucker (Bob Zucker). Al’s memory will live on through his beloved grandchildren, Oliver and Harvey Hogan.

Al will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His kindness, considerate nature, and unwavering love will forever be remembered. The family will hold a private ceremony to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

As we bid farewell to Al, we carry his memory in our hearts, honoring the legacy of a remarkable man who touched the lives of many.

Frederick Eaton, local retired lumberman (Eaton Lumber Company of Ludlow) died peacefully on July 13, 2022 after a long and full life. He will be greatly missed by his best friend and partner Sandra Bruschi, five daughters and sons-in-law, five grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was an avid golfer and longtime member of Ludlow Country Club. Fred was an active outdoorsman, nature lover, fisherman, athlete, retired lumber business manager, father and a kind and gentle man. Services are private.

Richard Payson Shepardson, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away May 2, 2023.

Philip Bergson Jr., age 76, of East Orleans, Massachusetts passed away peacefully at his home after a short illness on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

He was born in Washington D.C. He was the son of the late Philip and Marjorie (Copelof) Bergson.

Philip was passionate about sunrises, gardening, pets, wildlife, woodworking and fine art plein air oil painting. His days were filled with expressing his love and caring nature for his family, friends and loving dog Brioche. He had a “quiet, gentle soul” with a “witty” sense of humor that was loved by all who knew him. Philip pursued his passion as an artist after retiring as a custom homebuilder. He found great joy traveling and visiting galleries for small art works that he referred to as “gems” (a large landscape captured in a small frame).

A graduate of Williston Academy, Easthampton, Massachusetts class of 1966 and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, class of 1970.

Philip leaves behind his wife Catherine Bergson, stepdaughter Cheryl Keefe, son-in-law Darren Keefe and step-grandchildren Cole Keefe and Cody Keefe. Brother Peter Bergson, Sister Patricia (husband Kenmore) Commoss, nieces, and nephews. He was the husband of the late Joanna Cook Chess Bergson.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Beacon Hospice Care, Hyannis, Massachusetts or Santos Complete Home Care, Orleans, Massachusetts for their loving compassion with helping Philip on his journey and loving support for his family who will deeply miss him.

Bob “Bumpa” Clapp, 81, a man of many passions and a friend to all, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, May 8, 2023, of Alzheimer’s related dementia. He was surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 7, 1942, in Rye, New York, Bob spent his formative years in Berlin, Connecticut, and Marstons Mills, Cape Cod. He was the son of the late Robert and Elizabeth (Zappey) Clapp.

Bob was a proud alumnus of The Williston Northampton School and Dickinson College, where he graduated with dual majors in political science and sociology. His intellectual prowess led him to serve in the US Army as a signals intelligence analyst from 1962-1964, where he held a top-secret security clearance and was commended for his work in cryptography. His talents caught the attention of the NSA, and though he declined their offer of employment, he continued to enjoy solving and creating cryptographic puzzles.

Following his military service Bob was a scout executive with the Boy Scouts of America and the director of The Upper School of the Harrisburg Academy. Bob spent 10 years working with people with intellectual disabilities on community integration activities. His passion for service extended to his volunteer work with the ARC of Franklin and Fulton Counties, where he significantly increased fundraising efforts by recruiting notable athletes like Joe Theismann and Franco Harris. Bob dedicated 30 years to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, retiring as the Coordinator of the Human Services Development Fund.

Bob was a true eccentric, a lover of orange tabby cats, and a friend to all. An Eagle Scout in his youth, he carried his love for the natural world into adulthood, sharing his interests and passions with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid follower of politics, a dedicated community volunteer, and a collector of rare butterflies, mermaid sculptures, and All American roses. He also enjoyed fly tying, hybridizing day lilies, and genealogy. His fascination with the natural world began in his youth with 14 beehives and continued throughout his life.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Gretchen Clapp Orr, his son Michael J. Richards, and granddaughters Emma Cole and Victoria Belvin. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rosemarie (Rosie); his brothers, Roger Clapp of Coronado, CA, and Peter Molchan of Queens, NY; his children, Robert Franklin (wife Staci), David Christiaan (wife Jasmine), David F. Richards (wife Marisa) Amy P. Richards-Cole, and grandchildren, Abigail, Christiaan, Colin, Jack, Jake, Jasper, Joey, John, Josh, Kara, and Mike.

A Memorial Service will be held at Saint Paul’s United Church of Christ, 626 Williams Grove Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. The family will receive guests at 11 a.m., with the Memorial Service beginning at noon, followed by a light lunch. A private burial will take place at the convenience of the family at Lothrop Cemetery in Barnstable, Cape Cod.

In celebration of Bob’s life, the family encourages everyone to perform random acts of kindness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, 20 E. Pomfret Street, Carlisle, PA 17013.