Matthew C. Acker, Jr.

After battling Parkinson's disease and Lewy Body Dementia for several years, Matthew Carl Acker, Jr., \"Junior\", 82, of Exeter Township, cashed in his chips early Saturday morning, June 24, 2017, at Holy Redeemer Hospital in Jenkintown, PA. In the words on Paul Anka, as sung by Frank Sinatra, Junior did it his way. Born on Front Street in Reading, PA on July 15, 1934, Junior was the son of the late Matthew C. Acker, Sr. and Elizabeth A. (Frohman) Acker. Junior is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nance (Kotula) Acker. Junior is also survived by his sister, Sophie Romich, his three children, Dr. Matthew C. Acker III, Derrick husband of Catherine Acker and Elizabeth A. Magovern wife of Christopher Hartman; by his grandchildren, Allison, Gabrielle, Matthew IV, Sydney, Ty, Ben, Andrew, Lilly, Jake, Michael and Isaac; and by four nieces and three nephews. Junior was predeceased by a brother, Joseph Acker. Junior served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959. He was a graduate of Reading High School and West Chester State Teachers College where he received a bachelor of science degree in music education. Junior was a trumpet student of J. Carl Borelli, played first chair trumpet at Reading High, played in the West Reading Drum and Bugle Corps and was a soloist for the West Chester band during college. He taught sixth grade math and social studies at the Mt. Penn / Antietam School District for 38 years. Junior loved coaching and umpiring baseball and basketball. Junior transmitted his love of education and sports to his children and grandchildren. He coached the high school baseball team at Mt. Penn and the West Lawn Owls Legion Team. Junior loved the Yankees. Those who knew him as \"1-A\" know he also loved speculating on the outcome of college and professional sporting events and helping others speculate as well. Junior cared a great deal about the appearance of his hair; his close friend Terry Derr made sure the coloring and perm were just right. Junior loved his 1984 Cadillac Seville with its Rolls Royce grille. Junior was a lifetime member of the Fireman's Relief Association of Reading and Berks County. He was a devoted Catholic and a lifelong parishioner of Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church in Reading. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Thursday, June 29, 2017 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM at Klee Funeral Home Cremation Services, Inc., One East Lancaster Ave., Shillington. Funeral procession will depart promptly on Friday, June 30, 2017 at 10:00 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:30 AM in Holy Rosary R.C. Church, 237 Franklin Street, Reading, PA 19602. Msgr. Joseph A. DeSantis will celebrate mass. Interment in Forest Hills Memorial Park will be at the convenience of the family. Flowers are welcome or contributions in Junior's memory may be made to Holy Rosary R. C. Church at the above address. www.kleefuneralhome.com
Service Information

Date: Friday, June 30, 2017
Time: 10:30 am
Holy Rosary R. C. Church
Address: 237 Franklin Street, Reading, PA, 19602
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Date: Thursday, June 29, 2017
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Klee Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc.
Address:

One East Lancaster Avenue
Shillington, PA 19607
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