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DECEASED:
Charlie Ackerman
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DATE OF DEATH:
Friday, September 22, 2017 (before sunset)
2 Tishri, 5778
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DATE OF FUNERAL:
Sunday, October 1, 2017
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TIME OF FUNERAL:
1:00 PM
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PLACE OF FUNERAL:
Temple Sinai, Atlanta GA
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PLACE OF BURIAL:
PRIVATE
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SHIVA INFORMATION:
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Please contact Dresslers at 770-451-4999 to send a message to the family.
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DONATIONS:
Mass General Hospital Parkinson's Research Fund MGH Development Office, 125 Nashua St., Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114
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OBITUARY:
Charles “Charlie” Ackerman, of Atlanta, GA, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 22, 2017. He was 84 years old. He is survived by his daughter, Carlyn Ackerman, San Francisco, CA; daughter, Paige Ackerman Prill, Seattle, WA; grandson, Dylan Henry Prill; brother Dr. Robert Ackerman, and step-brother, Alan Rosenthal.
Charlie Ackerman was born in New York, New York in 1933. He graduated High School at Horace Mann in New York City in 1951, then received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of North Carolina in 1955. Ackerman went on to serve 2 years in the United States Army from 1955 – 1957. He continued his higher education at the Emory University School of Law from 1957– 1960. In later years, Ackerman also attended Georgia State University to obtain a graduate degree in Anthropology. His graduate degree included a 6 month stint in which he lived with and studied an indigenous tribe in Costa Rica.
An icon and leader in the Atlanta Commercial Real Estate world, Ackerman began his career as a tenacious real estate leasing agent working for Alan Grayson Realty Co. in 1957. His competitive spirit and work ethic led him to establish Ackerman & Co in 1967, which is now one of the Southeast’s largest full-service real estate firms.
Ackerman’s vision forever changed the skyline of Buckhead Atlanta with the construction of the first high rise office building, Tower Place, built in 1973. This was followed by other development projects including the Swissotel, now the Westin Buckhead Atlanta; the former Rio shopping center in Mid-town; and Crowne Pointe in Central Perimeter. He also spearheaded major developments in Gaithersburg and Baltimore, Maryland. A large part of Ackerman’s real estate success was his desire to not only build a great property but to create an atmosphere that catered to the needs of its tenants. He was instrumental in developing a tenant representation business that won the respect of his peers in the real estate world.
After receiving life threatening injuries following a robbery in his home in the late 70’s, Ackerman was inspired to found Ackerman Security Systems Inc. He felt that everyone deserved to feel secure in their own home. After great success regionally the company was sold in 2015 to a Canadian investment firm, Imperial Capital Group, and continues to grow nationwide under the Ackerman moniker as a trusted name in providing security.
Ackerman’s impact on the Atlanta community went well beyond his business interactions. He was the Founder of REAP Atlanta – Real Estate Apprenticeship for African Americans; the Board of Directors of the Buckhead Community Improvement District; National Board of Governors for the American Jewish Committee; Chairman of the Board and Advisory Board Member for Emory University’s Michael C. Carlos Museum; Board of Trustees Clark Atlanta University; Advisory Board of the University of North Carolina; Board of Trustee Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta; Board of Directors American ORT; Founder and Member Board of Directors Temple Sinai. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to the community.
In addition to Ackerman’s local affiliations, he was appointed by President George H.W. Bush to serve on The United States Holocaust Museum Board of Trustees from 1990 – 1994. His vision was at the forefront of the final concept, design and building of the National Memorial to Holocaust survivors, based in Washington DC.
A renaissance man at the heart of it, he was a voracious reader, art enthusiast, marathon runner, and an adventure traveler, who sought to immerse himself in other cultures whenever given the opportunity. In the 1970s, Ackerman secured permission to drive for weeks through much of the old Soviet Union at a time when the Cold War with the U.S. stifled all but the barest of diplomatic interchange. In 1981, he ventured out with two friends on a three-month odyssey that took him across the length and breathe of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) just five years after the country opened its doors to the outside world, prompted by President Richard Nixon and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. From Beijing, the journey jumped to Bombay, India, (now Mumbai) and a 5,000-mile drive north into the Vail of Kashmir and over the highest road in the world into the barely-known Himalayan region of Zanskar, part of the lore of Shangri La. In support of the noted adventurer Ned Gillette, Ackerman helped break-in the one-of-a-kind “Red Tomato” rowboat along 300 miles of shoreline at the far southern tip of Chile. From Cape Horn, Gillette and three others then rowed the craft 600 miles to Antarctica in 13 days across the most treacherous seas on the planet.
Charlie Ackerman was loved by so many friends and family near and far, who would describe him as – unique, accomplished, a man of integrity, remarkable human being, trustworthy, generous, dynamic, one of a kind. His legacy will live on through his work, philanthropy, as well as the time he gave to help so many people professionally and personally during his life.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude and acknowledgement for the caregivers of The Caring Approach, Felicia London, Em Turong, Simon Sears, Ana Arivadera and Weinstein Hospice along with extended family and friends whose care and attentiveness kept his spirit alive even when his physical capabilities were diminished.
Sign online guest book at www.edressler.com.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to:
Mass General Hospital Parkinson’s Research Fund in Memory of Charles S. Ackerman
MGH Development Office
125 Nashua St. Suite 540
Boston, MA 02114
A memorial service will be held on October 1, 2017 at 1:00 pm at Temple Sinai with a reception in Charles S. Ackerman Social Hall to follow.
Temple Sinai, 5645 Dupree Drive, Sandy Springs, GA 30327
Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta 770-451-4999.
Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care
770-451-4999
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GUESTBOOK
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The Dressler Family
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May the memories of our loved ones remain for a blessing.
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| Ali & Andrew Tennenbaum | Oct 3 2017 01:41 am | | Charlie was more than a genuine visionary and renaissance man, he was a true & loyal friend to all of us. We have lost a great man and will always cherish the memories of our times spent together.
We send all of our love to Paige, Dylan and the family as we keep you in our thoughts. | | | Robert (Bob) Green | Oct 2 2017 02:51 pm | | The passing of another bright light in our lives; may his name serve as a blessing. | | | Pat Brannon | Oct 2 2017 01:28 pm | | I worked with Charlie at Allan-Grayson Realty Company and watched as his energetic personality drove him to get up early and work late. Sympathies to his family.
Pat Thomas Brannon - Duluth | | | Anne Marie Woodward | Oct 1 2017 10:55 am | | So sorry for your loss.
I'm glad I had an opportunity to meet him and observe all the wonderful contributions he has made.
My condolences. | | | Steve Langford | Oct 1 2017 09:31 am | | We are saddened by the loss of a truly exceptional man. May you find comfort in the love of God during this difficult time. The thoughts and prayers of my family are with you. | | | Roxanne Gonzales | Sep 29 2017 04:25 pm | | “With deepest sympathy as you remember Charlie.” | | | Ricardo Alvarez-Tostado | Sep 29 2017 02:51 pm | | I was saddened to hear Mr. Ackerman had passed away. Peace be with his family and closest friends. I was lucky to have worked at Ackerman & Co and met Mr.Charles Ackerman. His achievements proessional and personal continue to inspire me not only as an icon in Commercial Real Estate but within the community. I went on and completed the REAP apprentice Real Estate program that he founded and learned as much as I could at the Firm. So sorry for the loss of a great human being that always provided guidance and kind words of encouragement. Ricardo Alvarez-Tostado | | | Sharon Wasserman | Sep 28 2017 10:31 pm | | I worked for Mr. Ackerman 3 short years. He was wonderful to work for. My condolences to his family
| | | Jeff Cohen | Sep 28 2017 07:13 pm | | He was an icon to many, and an inspiration to me. | | | E. Dunbar Harrison III | Sep 28 2017 03:04 pm | | Blessings to all of Mr. Ackerman's friends and family. He was one of the finest gentlemen I have ever known. His charisma, warmth, and generous spirit will be sorely missed, but his impact on the lives and futures of so many will never fade. God bless you Charlie Ackerman. | | | Steven E. Cupp | Sep 27 2017 07:58 pm | | The most charismatic man I ever met. Charlie impacted more commercial real estate careers in Atlanta than anyone. He will be remembered by many of all walks. He was also extremely Cool!
Steven E. Cupp, Vinings, Ga. | | | Michael K. Scheiner | Sep 27 2017 06:51 pm | | BH
It is with sincere appreciation to God that I was blessed to have the opportunity to meet, work with and be mentored by Charles Ackerman over the years! What an incredible human being who gave of himself to so many others and who so carefully and privately supported so many incredible and righteous causes to better humanity. The builder-developer was building more then bricks and mortar as he was building bridges to help the community, his country and the world. His incredible thirst for knowledge and ability to listen and to grow was always inspiring to me. The Talmud teaches that for each Mitzvot, good deed, a person does in this world they are blessed with glowing radiating stars of effervescence on their clothing in the World To Come! I am certain that Charles is moving up in the Heavenly spheres rapidly as his radiance for all the good he did in this world in shining brightly on him in the next world. May his Soul be elevated up and at peace and may his future journey be blessed in all that he does!
Thank you Charles for aways being there for me!
Peace and Blessing to you and your family!
Deepest appreciation and prayers,
Michael K. Scheiner
Boca Raton, Florida | | | Barbara & Richard Planer | Sep 26 2017 09:55 pm | | We were sorry to hear about Charlie.
We wish the family well and hope time will only leave the good feeling we all had for him | | | Anantpal S Makkar | Sep 26 2017 09:24 pm | | May God bless Mr. Ackerman soul & family members. | | | Beauchamp Carr | Sep 26 2017 03:30 pm | | Knowing Charlie has been one of the highlights of my life. He was always extremely helpful to the Woodruff Arts Center | | | Alicia Valle | Sep 26 2017 02:40 pm | | Had the honor of knowing you. Enjoyed your interesting, talented and delightful conversations reviewing Mexican history.
Will miss you dearly.
Charlie, be blessed by God and may you rest in peace. | | | Doris Smith | Sep 26 2017 11:47 am | | As Secretary to the Board at Clark Atlanta University (retired), I had the opportunity to interact with Mr. Ackerman on many occasions. He was always kind and dedicated to his Board membership. Whenever I called, he would take my call. Deepest sympathy. He served his community well. | | | Henry G. Wood, Jr. | Sep 26 2017 10:52 am | | I had the joy of Charlie mentoring me at Pope & Carter in 1965 and 1966. Here I was just out of college and knew perfectly nothing about commercial real estate and he spend time with me sharing wisdom only a pro would know.
We lived down the street from each other on W. Conway and when ever our paths crossed he always encouraged me with kind words. | | | Antonio Carrera | Sep 26 2017 10:19 am | | Few persons in life have impressed me as Charlie did!
He was super educated, charming, and overall one of the best human beings I have ever met.
All your good Mexican friends you touched with your smile and generosity will miss you greatly!!! Rest in Peace dear Charlie. | | | Sereda Trammell | Sep 26 2017 09:59 am | | I was torn to leave Ackerman & Co in 2016 after 9 years of service. I walked into Mr. Ackerman's office and told him that it was my last day. Mr. Ackerman looked at me and said "out of all the others, you were the best and gave me the biggest hug". I was in tears. It was truly a pleasure and an honor to have worked with him. A true man of integrity and honesty. He will be missed. My condolences. | | | Jorge L. Juncos, MD | Sep 26 2017 09:34 am | | My deepest condolences to Bob, his daughters, the entire family and his close friends. It was a privilege to help take care of Charlie during these last few difficult years. I will miss dearly his warm & sage presence and advice.
Jorge
Jorge L. Juncos, MD | | | H Allen Brown | Sep 26 2017 08:20 am | | 23 years with Charlie...I learned something from him every time we were together. I traveled with him, spent time in a tent with him ,climbed with him. I knew him on several levels . I visited with him many times near the end. | | | Mickey Miller | Sep 26 2017 07:55 am | | Best boss i ever had , what a great man. he will be missed . | | | Leah Franco | Sep 25 2017 04:32 pm | | My late husband, David Sam Franco, worked with Charlie in the early days of Ackerman & Co. Then David went on to form his own firm, David S Franco & Co. David and Charlie remained good friends for many, many years - their paths crossing often in Buckhead - their standard of "commercial real estate excellence" will live on always. Yes...Charlie was a good man and an exemplary business man.
Leah A. Franco | | | David Cohen | Sep 24 2017 05:14 pm | | So sad to lose such a great friend . Charlie wastruly a Rennaisance unique and multitalented individual. He will be missed by many whose lives he touched. With my sympathy and love to all the family.
David M Cohen
Vail CO | | | Nancy Paul | Sep 24 2017 12:45 pm | | I am thinking of your family at this time and sending love and strength. Charlie was the most charismatic, kind-hearted and intelligent man. i will forever cherish all of our fun times together in Vail sharing family dinners and ski days together.
With love and sympathy,
Nancy Cohen Paul
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