Donald Ackerman

Donald F. Ackerman was born on October 10, 1932, to Rosemary and John Ackerman in Pittsburgh, PA. He passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 15, 2026. The youngest of eight brothers and sisters and last surviving sibling of a large Irish Catholic family, Don was raised on the Southside of Pittsburgh and attended Catholic schools where he developed his faith and character.

After leaving high school, Don was drafted into the US Army serving in the Korean War. Upon leaving the US Army, Don started his employment with US Steel Corporation and earned his GED. Don met the love of his life, Betty Jane, dancing in West View. They were married in 1957 and enjoyed 68 blessed years together. Don’s favorite piece of advice to young married couples was “the perfect marriage is a blind woman and a deaf husband.” Always one to tell a joke, we’re not sure how many young marriages he actually saved with that advice.

Upon his retirement from US Steel, Don started his second career as operator of the Duquesne Incline in Pittsburgh. For 20 years Don could be found at his happy place, greeting regular riders and tourists at the downstairs entrance to the incline.

Don and Betty loved spending time together, eating at restaurants and spending time with their growing family. Don lived to see his four grandsons grow to adults, start careers and build families of their own, now blessing Don and Betty with five great-grandchildren. All because he asked Betty to dance.

Don was a man of faith. We know he is in heaven, healed, whole and dancing with Jesus. And all of us who love him look forward to seeing him again.

Don is survived by the love of his life, Betty Ackerman. His daughters, Barbara Nichol (husband Bob), Melody Bonaccorsi (husband Mark), grandsons Nick Bonaccorsi (wife Kate), Nino Bonaccorsi, Will Nichol (wife Taylor) and Marshall Nichol (wife Leah), and five great-grandchildren.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, March 23 at Paul Henney Cremation & Funeral Tributes, 5570 Library Road, Bethel Park PA 15102 from 10:30 am to 12:15 pm, where a service will start at 12:15. Burial will follow at The National  Cemetery of the Alleghenies at 1:30pm with Military Honors.

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