Tom Ackley, 85, of Blandford, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Born in Blandford on August 5, 1941, Tom spent his life in the town he loved. Over the years, he worked as a logger, sawyer, laborer, and truck driver before founding Tom Ackley Tractor Service in the late 1980’s, a business that he devoted himself to for over thirty years.

Tom dedicated himself to the town of Blandford, joining the Blandford Fire Department at the age of fifteen and later serving as Chief for many years. He was an active and respected member right up to his death. He worked for many years on the Town highway department and later plowed snow as an independent contractor for the state. Tom served on the water department in Blandford and a term as Selectman. He was involved with the Hilltown Ambulance at its inception and donated his time to many local causes.

A lifelong hunter and fisherman, Tom was a long-time member of the former Blandford Fox Club. He enjoyed taking vacations and travelling with his wife of sixty-six years, Nancy, and their friends. Tom was a devoted and loving family man and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

He encouraged us to give our best to everything and he was a role model to many. He will be remembered by many as a man who believed in service to his community.

He is survived by his wife Nancy (Cook), his son Ed (Kathy) Ackley, daughter Dawn (Kevin) Medeiros, and daughter Melissa Hamm and her partner, Patrick Stearns, and his granddaughter Emily (Alex) Diaz, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A wake will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Firtion Adams Funeral Home in Westfield, MA from 4-7pm. A celebration of life will be held at the White Church in Blandford on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11am with burial in the Hill Cemetery, Blandford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Blandford Fire Department at 1 Russell Stage Road, Blandford, MA 01008, or to Hilltown Community Ambulance Association, PO Box 351, Huntington, MA 01050.Firtionadams.com