Jacques G. “Jack” Akerley, 77, of Bristol, widower of Claire J. (Bisaillon) Akerley, died on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at home. Jack was born in St. Leonard, New Brunswick, Canada on Aug. 28, 1945.
He lived in St. Leonard until moving to Hartford when he was 15. There he met the love of his life, Claire. He enlisted to serve in the United States Army in 1963 and spent time stationed in Germany. Jack obtained his GED in 1965. Upon returning home, he and Claire married and started their life together in Bristol before moving to Southington and building their first home. They raised their family in Southington for 20 years before moving back to Bristol in 1988.
While dedicating his career as a Bristol police officer, Jack obtained his Bachelor of Science from Western Connecticut State College in 1981. Jack retired from the Bristol PD as a lieutenant and then worked security as a sergeant for the New Britain General Hospital until retiring at age 75. He had a passion for woodworking and carpentry and enjoyed building and remodeling homes.
In his spare time, he loved to play cards, especially cribbage. As an avid sports fan, he enjoyed organizing bus trips to see his favorite team, the Red Sox. Another joy was hockey and he could often be found watching the Montreal Canadiens or the Hartford Whalers. Jack was known for his famous trips to “Wal-Mart” which was family code for Foxwoods. Jack loved to be around his family and was always causing mischief. He was the life of the party and was adored by his family and friends.
He was affectionally referred to as “Papa Jack” by all that knew him. He was a member of the Bristol Retired Police Officers’ Association, a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus Terryville Council # 1090 and was a devout parishioner of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Bristol.
Jack is survived by two children: Todd Akerley and wife, Rachel, of Coventry, and Tammi Lavoie and husband, Thomas, of Bristol; two brothers: Edward Akerley of Van Buren, Maine, and Roger Akerley of Bristol; two sisters: Rita Prentice and Verna Ouellette of Bristol; three grandchildren: Brett Akerley and wife, Melissa, of Bristol, Alison Akerley and fiancé, Walker Guliano, of Taunton, Mass., and Amy Akerley of Shelton; two step grandsons: Devin Lavoie of Bristol and Gregory Lavoie and fiancée, Bethany Kiefer; two great-grandchildren: Ryland and Aidan; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 9:30 a.m. from Funk Funeral Home 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, to St. Gregory the Great Church, 235 Maltby St, Bristol, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Burial, with military honors, will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol. Relatives and friends may call at Funk Funeral Home on Monday between 5 and 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Please visit Jack’s memorial web-site at www.FunkFuneralHome.com