Terry Ackerman

Terry Ackerman (Arthur DeWitt Ackerman) passed away December 26, 2017. Born in Summit, New Jersey in 1941, to Dr. Arthur Fowler Ackerman and Barbara Lintner Ackerman, he is predeceased by a sister, Martha Achilles and a niece, Lysbeth Achilles.

Mr. Ackerman received a degree in Psychology from Hamilton University and has been involved with entrepreneurial endeavors and sales for most of his life.  From 1967-1980, he had a successful career with Home Life of New York where he was a member of the Hall of Fame and a Charter member of the Top of the Round Table.  In 1982 He co-founded a Wall Street based gold exploration and money management group.  Since 1980 he’s been an investment banker for resource and technology companies, raising over $50,000,000 for early stage companies.  Mr. Ackerman is also an angel investor in resource technology and renewable energy companies, and was involved in a LEEDS community in the Mohave Desert.  He was on the board of The Mohave National Preserve Conservancy, and was a Director of Beech Tree Labs, Inc. and on the board of CooperRiis, American International Ventures, Inc., AIVN de Mexico, and Atmospheric Plasma Solutions, Inc.

Locally he served on the Parks Commission and championed local non-profits like Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Polk County, and Tryon Little Theater. He loved singing, enjoyed camping and fishing with his buddies and sons, was an avid gardener who grew mammoth broccoli and the sweetest radishes. When he was on form, he placed a killer serve on the tennis court. He was also a founder member of the “Men Without Jobs Breakfast Club”.

He is survived by two sons, Gregory and Peter Ackerman, both of New Jersey; a brother, Pete Ackerman of Santa Cruz, CA; a niece, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and his partner of over 25 years, Monica Jones.  His generosity and unconditional love will be missed by all.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Donations in his name can be made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Polk County, or Tryon Little Theater’s building campaign P.O. Box 654, Tryon, NC.

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