Delmer “Del” Akerley, of Yarmouth, MA, died on September 4, 2015 at Cape Cod Hospital.
Del was born 94 years ago in the city of Saint John, NB Canada to the late Edward and Florence Akerley.  At an early age, he moved with his family to the United States and settled in Somerville, MA.  He attended schools in Somerville and graduated from high school in 1938.  In December 1942, Del married Virginia MacCallum.
During World War II, he worked for Bethlehem Steel Co. for a couple years before joining the United States Army Air Force in 1943.  He was assigned to the 448^th Bomber Group (the B-24 Liberator) and after training at Wendover Field, Utah and Sioux City, Iowa, was deployed to serve with the 8^th Air Force in England.  His unit was stationed in Seething, Norfolk, UK and during his service there, rose to the top non-commission rank of First sergeant.  He received Oak Leaf Clusters and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
In 1945 Del went to work for Raytheon Co.  He served in several controllership functions for 42 years.  During this time he attended Boston University and obtained a degree in Business Management.
After retiring in 1987, Del moved to the Cape.  He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Yarmouth, where he served on various boards and committees.  He was also a member of Boston University Alumni Club of Cape Cod and the Islands, Howard Masonic Lodge in South Yarmouth, The Highland Light Scottish Society, The Retired Men’s Club of Cape Cod, The Second Air Division Association  8^th AF and the Seething Tower Association in Seething, England.  Del enjoyed playing tennis, shell fishing, physical workouts, swimming, extensive traveling and spending time with his grandsons and great-grandchildren.
Del was predeceased by his wife, Virginia, to whom he was married over 59 years, a close friend Evelyn Ashton of ten years and a sister, Florence Gratcy.  He is survived by his three children and their spouses: Carole Hebb and Eric Gordon of Harwich Port, MA, Robert Akerley and Jun Baniqued of Princeton, MA and Bruce and Susan Akerley of Sutton, MA.  Also three grandsons and their spouses: Jonathan and Amy Hebb of Keller, TX, Jayson and Casey Hebb of Boulder, CO and Justin and Jessica Hebb of Princeton, MA. and nine great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are his brother Donald Akerley and his wife, Connie of Saugus, MA, his sister Jean Gannon of Yarmouth, MA, and his sister Ruth Setterlund and her husband, Bill of Venice, FL, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015 from 4:00 – 6:00pm in the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth, with a Masonic service to be held at 5:45pm.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 10:00am, at the First Congregational Church of Yarmouth, 329 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port, followed by burial at 1:00pm, in The Massachusetts National Cemetery, MacArthur Blvd, Bourne.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Del’s name to the First Congregational Church of Yarmouth, 329 Main St. Yarmouth Port, MA 02675: or to a charity of one’s choice.
 

Dear family, I was struck by the obituary in the 9/7/15 edition of the Cape Cod Times, as my great uncle (my grandfather's brother) also served in the 448th bomber group and was based at Seethng, Norfolk, England, I also became a member of the Seethng Tower Association as I try to piece together the story of my uncle's life and death. Abraham John (A.J.) Kittredge was born and raised in Detroit and flew mission #3 for the 448th from Seething to a target in Germany. He was KIA along with two others (co pilot and radio operator) but the rest of his crew was ordered to bail and survived. For years the family knew not what happened to the body, but over time, as documents become unclassified, I have been able to trace the story, I only wish I knew at Mr. Akerley lived so close by and might be able to tell me some stories of that time in our history! These people were truly brave and amazing heroes. I am sorry for your loss.

My condolences to all of Del's family. Del was a good friend to my Uncle Bob (Sylva) who passed several years ago. Del, Uncle bob and Doug were the three musketeers cruising around different places whether it was fishing, shopping of "a good deal" or knowing where the best meal was being served. They were frequent visitors to the police station when I was Chief explaining it was on the way between their stops off Cape. They were regulars at different sportsman's clubs meetings and dinners and always a pleasure to talk with. Del was a great guy. Arty Parker

I would like to send my sincere condolences to Del's entire family. My name is Vince and my wife Maureen is James youngest daughter. My father in law (James Lynch) was one of Del's closest friends for many years. I last saw Dell this past May at James wake as he passed away on May 15th. So very sorry for your loss. Vince and Maureen DePolo

I am sending cyber hugs to your whole family as I will not be able to attend the services due to my surgeries. Carole, Thank you for doing all you did for him, you are an angel and I am sorry I cannot be there for you. Know I am thinking of you always. Thank you for including Nana in the obituary...Del made her shine. He is free now....spread your wings and watch over all of us and we will see you again when it is our turn to return home. With love and Warm hugs, Alyssa