Edward Joseph Akerman, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and uncle, of Fort Myers, FL, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on June 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on November 30, 1937, in Newton, MA, he was the son of the late Julia (Alice) Woods and Edward J. Akerman, Sr.
Ed was a kind-hearted man, known for his generosity, patience, and quick wit. Always ready to lend a helping hand, he touched the lives of many with his unwavering work ethic, his knack for fixing just about anything, and his deep devotion to those he loved. Ed's passion for creating and repairing never waned—you could often find him tinkering in the garage, designing new golf clubs or crafting custom clubs for friends and family. He was also known for his amazing spaghetti sauce and meatballs, a favorite among everyone especially his grandchildren.
He was the devoted husband of Elaine (Theroux Murray), with whom he shared 26 wonderful years of marriage and partnership. He is survived by his three children: Debbie Fishbaugh and her husband, Mark, of Cornelius, NC; Dawn Stahl of Franklin, MA; and James E. Akerman and his wife, Bonnie, of Jefferson, NH. He is also survived by his stepdaughter, Shayna Murray, step granddaughter, Savanna, of Bellingham, MA and his ex-wife, Marcia Wiles, the mother of his children.
He is lovingly remembered by his eight cherished grandchildren: Andrew, Jack, and Julia Fishbaugh of Cornelius, NC; Hannah, Lindsay, and Jonathan Stahl of Franklin, MA; and James and Hailey Akerman of Jefferson, NH. He is also survived by his brother, John L. Akerman, and his wife, Elizabeth, of Mansfield, MA.
He was predeceased by his brother, Brian W. Akerman, of Torrance, CA.
He was educated in the Newton Public Schools and graduated from Newton High School in 1955. After graduation, Ed played for the Newton Merchant’s semi-pro team for several years, where he formed lifelong friendships.
In 1968, he earned a degree in Metallurgy from Wentworth Institute. Fifty years later, in 2018, he was honored when the class of 1968 participated in the graduation ceremonies at Wentworth Institute to commemorate their milestone anniversary.
Ed proudly served for seven years in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, where he exemplified his commitment to duty and community. During his service, he honed his skills in electrical work, which became a valuable asset throughout his life.
In Holliston, Ed raised his family and became a cornerstone of the community—not just as a neighbor and friend, but as a true leader. He devoted countless hours to coaching youth baseball, served as President and Senator of the Jaycees, and even organized the town's first men’s softball team, among many other contributions.
After earning his degree from Wentworth, Ed began his career at Arwood, where he quickly advanced to a management position. With his entrepreneurial spirit and determination, Ed founded Akerman Associates, a business specializing in the sale of metal aerospace castings to renowned companies such as Pratt & Whitney, GE, and Sikorsky. He later worked with Titleist and helped design and develop the Howitzer Driver, a golf club that rivaled the famed Big Bertha.
In the 1990s, Ed relocated to Franklin, MA, where he became an active member of the Franklin Country Club. He played a significant role in the construction of the new clubhouse, contributed to the design of new holes on the course, and held several elected positions within the club. Ed's efforts were instrumental in enhancing the overall experience and quality of the golf course. It wasn’t surprising to find Ed playing 36 holes on any given weekend, a testament to his passion for the game. An outstanding golfer with a remarkable 2 handicap, Ed’s achievements on the course are permanently celebrated on the walls of the Franklin Country Club, where his legacy continues to inspire.
It was in Franklin where Ed met his wife Elaine, and together they resided there for 7 years and enjoyed playing golf, traveling together and enjoying life. After retiring, Ed and his wife spent 13 wonderful years in North Carolina before eventually settling in the Seven Lakes golf community in Fort Myers, Florida. He and Elaine finally found a place where they could escape the cold and enjoy playing golf year-round.
Ed’s legacy is one of love, quiet strength, and a life well lived. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.
A celebration of Edward’s life will begin with a wake at 11:00 AM on Saturday July 19, 2025, followed by a service at 12:00 PM at the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home, 33 Cottage Street. After the service, a reception will be held at The Rome restaurant, located next door.
In lieu of flowers, donations (checks) may be sent to Healthy Choices in Living at 3812 Skyline Blvd, Unit C, Cape Coral, FL 33914, to support their mission of creating safe and nurturing environments for seniors.
Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com