Robert C. Ackles Sr., M.D., FACS

Robert Churchill Ackles, 89, was born at home on May 27, 1925 in Birmingham, Michigan, to Patience and Stanley. After the death of Patience in 1939, and at the age of 13, he moved to Elmira, New York, where he was raised by his grandparents, Mary and Clarence Killinger.

Bob graduated from Elmira Free Academy in 1943 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve, attaining the rank of Ensign in World War II. He also served as a first lieutenant, Medical Corps, U.S. Army Reserve, in the Korean War, and was then stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base for 1953-54. He was a graduate of Holy Cross College, graduating Cum Laude in 1947, and of Cornell University Medical College in 1951.

Bob completed his internship and surgical and urology residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. In 1958, Bob began his practice of urology in Akron, Ohio. He was a member of the American Medical Association, Ohio Medical Association, Summit County Medical Association, Florida Medical Association, Collier County Medical Association, and American College of Surgeons. Bob was also an Associate Professor of Urology at the Northeast Ohio College of Medicine. At Akron General Hospital, he was president of the Medical Roundtable in 1970, Chief of Urology from 1973 to 1975, and Educator of the Year in 1977.

Bob was a resident of Naples, Florida, for the past 35 years. He was a member of Quail Creek Country Club, serving on the Board of Directors from 1982 to 1991 and as President from 1990 to 1991. He was also a member of the Men’s Auxiliary Naples Community Hospital, Retired Physicians Association of Collier County, Volunteer Conservancy, and St. Monica’s Episcopal Church. Bob served on the Board of Directors of Trayer Products, Elmira, New York, from 1970 to 2007, and was a member of the Fairlawn and Portage Country Clubs in Akron, Ohio. Bob loved and enjoyed the game of golf with his family and many friends, especially after retirement.

Bob passed away on Dec. 9, 2014. He is survived by his loving wife, Frances; sons, Robert C. Jr. (Shana) of Wasilla; James A. (Melissa) of Tampa, Florida; daughter, Joan Saunders (Dr. Richard) of Bethesda, Maryland; stepson, Dr. Jeffrey M. Wells (Anne) of Napa, California; stepdaughter, Lori Schwantz (Randy) of Frisco, Texas; 12 grandchildren; and one great grandson.

A memorial service is at 11 a.m., Dec. 13 at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church.