Howard Winston Acker

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Howard Winston Acker passed away on Oct. 13, 2024 in Charlottesville, Va.

Born Sept. 23, 1930, in Alfred, Maine. Howard married the love of his life, Marcia Elaine King, in June of 1952. They were married for 67 years before Marcia passed away in Nov. 2019.

Howard is survived by his four children, Michael Acker and wife Barbara of Bath, grandson Shawn Brassard and wife Heather and great-granddaughters Dezarae and Sienna; Mark Acker and wife Tammy of Raymond, grandson Ian and wife Lisa Acker and granddaughter Haley Acker and husband Ben McCrave; Rick Acker and husband Alvin Johnson of New Port Richey, Fla.; Pamela Acker and husband Jeffrey Pugh of Keswick, Va., granddaughter Nerissa Rouzer and husband Garett, great-grandchildren Ethan, Owen and Alexandra Rouzer, granddaughter Miesha Vargas and husband Cesar, great-grandchildren Lourdes, Emmanuel, Miriam, Rosario and Bruno Vargas.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Palmer Acker and Mary Greim Acker; and all of his siblings, Marjorie Lawrence, Harriett Randall and Albert Acker.

He grew up in Sanford/Springvale and graduated from Sanford High School with the Class of 1949. Howard was an apprentice at Saco Lowell shops in Lowell, Mass., where he learned to be a draftsman.

Howard and Marcia moved to Raymond in 1959 to work at Dielectric. He retired in 1988 as their CEO. They raised their four children, Michael, Mark, Ricky and Pamela, in Raymond. Howard was active as a Raymond Selectman and was instrumental in starting the Raymond Recreational Program which provided programs of summer swimming lessons and winter skiing.

He was an avid outdoor sportsman often fishing or hunting with his best friend Danny Smart and his son Mark. He loved spending time with his wife Marcia and family; providing them with many experiences whether it be skiing in northern Maine or camping or fishing in Maine.

During his retirement he was passionate about his antique cars and often took part in the annual Awesome Auto Tour sponsored by WGME. He always remained true to his Acton, Maine roots where he and Marcia built a summer home on Mousam Lake. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren call the island a slice of heaven.

Howard was an active member of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Sanford. Howard could always be found helping anyone that needed anything.

Later, he and Marcia split their year between New Port Richey, Fla. and Acton, becoming the true snowbirds. While summering in Maine, they loved for their grandchildren, Nerissa, Miesha, Ian and Haley to stay at the “cottage” with them. They were up for anything. Howard has traveled the world for his work at Dielectric and his love for traveling with wife Marcia. They have seen it all.

He was a member at the Springvale Masonic Lodge #190 for 73 years.

There will be a Celebration of Life Nov. 23, at St. George’s Church, Sanford. A Masonic Memorial Service will begin at 10:30 a.m. and The Celebration of Life to begin at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow in the St George’s Parish Hall.