GLOUCESTER –Fred Rogers “Ted” Akerley, 74, died unexpectedly at his home on January 14, 2015.
Born in Salem on April 30, 1940, he was the son of the late Edward Clement and Esther Johanna (Magnuson) Akerley.
After Gloucester High School and serving in the U.S. Army, Ted returned home to work as an auto mechanic and later as a salesman for Nick Tally Auto sales and Boley’s of Gloucester respectively. He is most remembered as a partner in the family business, Harbor Café and Binnacle Restaurant, now known as the Rhumbline.
Ted spent many years delivering Thanksgiving dinners to former servicemen who where shut-ins. He had a strong community of friends at the Amvets Post #32 of Gloucester, the Capt. Lester S. Wass Post #3, American Legion and the Gloucester Lodge of Elks No. 892. His friends enjoyed his clever, twisted sense of humor. His pranks and zest for life prompts many Ted stories, which will certainly live on in their hearts. He was a kind and sensitive soul who had a fondness for animals and seemed to speak their language. These qualities showed in his willingness to help friends with his time and energy toward their projects or problems. At the end of the day, they would celebrate their accomplishments.
Ted is survived by his daughter, Nicole Irvin of Durham, ME; his siblings, Johanna Akerley of Peabody, Philip, husband of Marjorie (Dennen) Akerley, Edward C., Jr., husband of Nancy (Bruce) Akerley, and Elizabeth Bonnie Akerley all of Gloucester; as well as nieces and nephews, Van Horn and Geist Ely, Melinda DuBow and Serena Akerley, Amy Leigh Baker, Thorsen and Leif Akerley, Edward C. Akerley, III, Maximillian Marshall and Britta May Akerley, and many grandnieces and grandnephews. He is also survived by his former spouse, Sheila Irvin.
A celebration of Ted’s life will be held at a later date. There are no visiting hours. Interment will be held in the North Beverly Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Cape Ann Animal Aid, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930.