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Dennis Paul Ackerman passed away at his home in Chesapeake on March 23, 2026 at the age of 78.
Dennis grew up in Cleveland, OH with two brothers, Gary and Bob. During his teenage years, he was a batboy for the Cleveland Indians and worked for the Cleveland Browns.
Dennis earned bachelor’s degree in science from Ohio State University and worked on his master’s at Cleveland State University studying natural resource management policy and environmental planning.
Following college, he started the Friend’s School in Cleveland and then worked for Baxter Healthcare which brought him to Tidewater.
He was the founder and owner of Solar One, the first solar company in VA Beach from 1977 to 1986.
Dennis had a distinguished career at Old Dominion University creating the college’s Entrepreneur Center and teaching classes for the MBA program.
After retiring from ODU, he assisted many businesses, serving on boards, and was instrumental in getting many companies started.
The last ten years was devoted to Decision Time, a cybersecurity firm.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Mary, his son, Danny, his daughter, Jennifer, his two stepsons, Charlie and Chris, and nine grandchildren.
Dennis’s life was about helping others as President of the Lion’s Club and member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Riverwalk Garden Club.
Dennis was a musician with a passion for the drum. Boating, playing cards, and traveling were additional joys for Dennis.
Dennis will be missed by many. A celebration of life is yet determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chesapeake Southside Lions Club in Dennis’s memory.
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Alan Escovitz
I new Dennis as a distant counsin and also remember his father Manny. I had alot of respect for him and was sorry to hear of his passing as a fellow CHHS classmate. May his his Memory Be a Blessing and Bless Be the True Judge.
Neal Hirsch
I remember Dennis he was a good friend in high school. My sincere codolences.
Neal Hirsch
Bonnie Kramer
Dennis was my first love. My first everything. He lived across from my bestie, Judi Lewis. I was a frequent visitor at Judi's house. That was how I met him. He was a beautiful &funny. He played the French Horn. Till this day, hearing a French Horn gives me butterflies. To say I was the envy of many girlfriends, is an understatement. We went on the 9th grade trip to NYC. We made out for ten hours going and 10 hours returning. I was flushed for a month. Dennis probaly had the biggst impact on adaolescent Bonnie.
And I got an addtional bonus. We had a long contact as adults. He marrie a beautiful woman, Joanne Moore. She and I quickly became great friends.
There was a moment when the Ackermans came to our house. Dennis was sitting with my Matthew on his lap
I sat across the room with Jennifer, his first born on my lap. It was lovely.
Later, I had the good fortune to visiting them in Virginia Beach. It was a wonderful visit. And my first run in with She Crab
Later life was life. I didn't have contact with him for years. I always thought of him on April 23. I always will
Dennis was a wonderful, smart, insightful, progressive guy with a big heart! I was blessed to have known him.