Elmer R. Akley, 70, a resident of St. Rt. 104 West, Town of Oswego, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2010 at home surrounded by his family & friends.
Born in Potsdam, he was the son of the late Elbert and Sarah (Reynolds) Akley. He graduated from Canton High School in 1957. He received his Master’s Degree from Cortland State in 1963 and his Directorship in Health, PE & Recreation in 1968.
Elmer taught at Belleville Academy from 1961 to 1964 then taught at Windsor Central School from 1964 to 1972. He retired from the Oswego City School District working from 1972 until 1998. While at Oswego, Elmer taught junior high physical education and coached football and wrestling. He was a beloved teacher and coach who led by example.
Elmer was elected into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Canton High School Hall of Fame, Section Three Wrestling Hall of Fame and was in the inaugural class of the Oswego High School Hall of Fame.
He was a member of the Laborers Union #214 and #633 from 1974 until present, and a member of the Southwest Methodist Church.
His hobbies and enjoyment of life were being a good husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren in music and sporting events, traveling, family gatherings and was an avid golfer. For all of those that had the opportunity to spend time with Elmer, they could not help but enjoy his dry sense of humor.
Surviving are his wife, Shirley Ann (Pitcher); three daughters, Tammy (Thomas) Czarnecki of Oswego, SuAnn (Michael) Howard of Minetto, Robin (Tony Rose) Omundsen of Oswego; three sons, Brian (Marisa) Akley of Clifton Park, Scott Akley of Oswego, Shawn (Lindsey) Akley of Liverpool; a brother, Wayne P. (Rose) Akley of Hannawa Falls; 18 grandchildren, Steven Czarnecki, Samuel Czarnecki, Maia Czarnecki, Michael Howard, Brittany Howard, Matthew Howard, Raelyn (Brian) Legg, Devon Omundsen, Sarah Omundsen, Ella Akley, Brayden Akley, Hannah Akley, Connor Akley, Wesley Akley, Christopher Akley, Maura Mae Akley, Isabelle Akley, Benjamin Akley; step-mother, Mary “Marge” Akley of Cicero; step-sisters, Sharon (Joseph) Morin of N. Syracuse, Mary Troch of Syracuse, Ann Adams of Liverpool; step-brothers, Frank (Cora) Trudell of Syracuse, Scott (Mandy) Trudell of Cicero, Joe (Carol) Trudell and Tommy Trudell, both of Syracuse.
He was predeceased by a brother Leroy Akley in 1999 and a step-brother, Steve Trudell in 1998.
Funeral Services will be held privately.
Calling hours will be held 2-6p.m. Sunday at Nelson Funeral Home, 11 West Albany ST. Oswego.
The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Haney Cancer Giving Fund to benefit the Oswego Hematology Oncology Office. Checks can be mailed to Haney Cancer Giving Fund, Upstate Medical University Foundation, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, New York 13210.
Online condolences can be made at www.nelson-funeralhome.com.
