Don Eugene Ackerman
Marriages
Jean Ackerman
Burial Details
Obituaries
Vail Daily page A7 - May 2, 2010
Don Eugene Ackerman, 76, of New York City and Naples, Fla., passed away on Tuesday at home in New York City.
Born in Gothenburg, Neb., and educated at West Point, he was a proud member of the class of 1956. During the Cold War, he flew tactical nuclear-weapons missions with the 492nd Squadron of the 48th Fighter Bomber Wing.
He received his master's degree from Harvard Business School in 1963, and while teaching economics at the U.S. Air Force Academy, he began his business career by developing an apartment building with his mother.
During the Vietnam War, he served in the Pentagon. He resigned his commission as a major in 1967 and was hired by the venerable venture capital firm J.H. Whitney and Co., where he continued to repeatedly distinguish himself. After heading the National Venture Capital Association, he went onto have a very successful career as a private investor.
Don lived the great American dream but remained unchanged by success. He led by example, preferring that others take his place in the spotlight. Above all, he was a hard-working man with an unimpeachable moral character.
He is survived by his wife, Jean; brother Jim; daughter Cheri; sons Michael and Steven; and seven grandchildren, all of whom deeply mourn his passing. A service will be held at West Point on May 10 at 10 a.m. in the Old Cadet Chapel located in the cemetery. Prayer and full military honors will follow at the gravesite. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.