William D. Ackner

GUILDERLAND — William D. Ackner of Guilderland, an electronics technician for General Electric, died on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. He was 88.

The son of Douw S. Ackner and Selina Runkle Ackner, he grew up in Schoharie County near Central Bridge and graduated from Schoharie High School in 1950. He attended Alfred State College for one year, prior to going to work for General Electric.

During the Korean War, he was drafted by the United States Army, and served two years stateside as an electronics specialist on various guided-weapon projects. At the conclusion of his service, he returned to General Electric Research and Development in Schenectady and Niskayuna, where he worked as an electronics technician for 44 years, until his retirement in 1996.

Mr. Ackner was a member of the Lynnwood Reformed Church, and participated often in the Men’s Brotherhood activities. He was also a member of the Helderberg Rod & Gun Club, Albany County Conservation Alliance, and the General Electric Quarter Century Club. He was a volunteer at the Mabee Farm Historic Site in Rotterdam Junction.

In 1960, he married Jeanette G. Pierce, who died in 2004.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Teresa Pistolessi, and sons Charles A. Ackner (Lynne Bitner) of Queensbury, New York and John D. Ackner (Diana Davidson) of Scotia, New York.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Eric W. and Kathryn L. Ackner of Queensbury, and Grace L. Ackner of Scotia.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 27, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Lynnwood Reformed Church at 3714 Carman Road in Guilderland with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Schenectady Memorial Park in Schenectady.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Lynnwood Reformed Church at 3714 Carman Road, Schenectady, NY 12303 or to the Schenectady County Historical Society at 32 Washington Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12305.