Robert J. Ackell, 77, of Frackville, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 19th, while watching his beloved Philadelphia Phillies. 

Born in Shenandoah, he was a son of the late Joseph and Mabel (Savin) Ackell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Christine “Tina” Ackell.

Bob was a graduate of the former Frackville High School, Class of 1967, the final graduating class of the school. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of sergeant and serving from 1968 until receiving his honorable discharge in 1974.

Following his military service, Bob dedicated more than 50 years to the coal mining industry, working for both Reading Anthracite Company and Keystone Anthracite until his retirement. He was a member of the former Annunciation BVM Church, now St. Joseph the Worker Parish. Bob was also a member of Frackville American Legion Post 398.

A devoted supporter of youth athletics in the community, Bob served as both a coach and former president of the Frackville Little League. He also volunteered his time coaching for the Frackville Mountaineer Football and Frackville Biddy Basketball programs. He was an avid Penn State Nittany Lions football and Philadelphia sports fan.

Bob is survived by his two sons, Robert Ackell and his wife, Marcie, of Lavelle, and Joseph Ackell and his wife, Lindsey, of Coatesville; a daughter, Michelle Ackell, of Wilkes-Barre; three sisters, Valerie Bukowski and her husband, John, of Frackville; Mary Ellen Reilly, of Catasaqua and her late husband James Reilly; and Georgine Mankewicz and her husband, Walter, of Shenandoah Heights; his beloved grandchildren, Alissa, Brody, Brook, Hayden, Nolan, and Kellen; along with nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 28th, at 11 a.m. from St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 49 North Line Street, Frackville. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Thursday morning at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass. Interment with military honors will follow in Annunciation BVM Cemetery, Englewood section of Frackville.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert’s memory may be made to the FBPA at PO Box 261 Frackville, PA 17931 to help "Light up Frackville" for new town Christmas Lights.

 Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences, or for further information, please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com

 Arrangements are under the care of Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc., Frackville.