Dr. Joseph A Ackil, D.O. passed peacefully on October 18th at home surrounded by his family.
Dr. Ackil was born at home in Brockton, MA to Lebanese immigrant parents. A graduate of Brockton High School, he worked his way through Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. Upon graduating from pharmacy school, he was drafted, and proudly served in the U. S. Army.
After serving in the Army, he decided his true calling in life was to be a physician. He graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1967. After his internship, he opened his office in Roslindale where he practiced serving the neighborhoods of Boston for over 40 years. He believed that every person deserved care from a doctor regardless of circumstances. He made himself available to his patients 24/7, 365 days a year. As a D.O. he was proud of helping to grow the Osteopathic profession in Boston. In 1971 he became the first D.O. to be granted admitting privileges at an M.D. hospital in Boston. He was also the first D.O. to be appointed to a clinical teaching position at both Tufts School of Medicine and Boston University School of Medicine. He thoroughly enjoyed teaching medical students and residents interested in family practice. In the mid 70’s he and a group of fellow D.O.’s from all over New England gathered at a restaurant to talk about the need for an Osteopathic Medical School in New England. During the meeting, written on a napkin, they formed the New England Osteopathic Foundation whose purpose was to start a medical school. In 1978 the New England College of Osteopathic Medicine was founded on the campus of St. Francis College in Biddeford, Maine and ultimately became the University of New England. He would serve as the first Director of Admissions for the Medical School.
Although medicine kept him busy, his true passion was his family. He was always most happy when he was with his wife Mary of more than 63 years, his son and daughter and their spouses, and later, his grandchildren. He was an avid hockey fan, a lifelong Boston Bruins fan, and a former season ticket holder. It was only fitting that four of his grandsons took up the game, and he loved nothing more than watching all of his grandchildren play the sports that they loved.
He also loved to golf. Every Wednesday for more than 30 years he would be on the golf course teeing up for the first tee time with his son. To him, the best rounds were completed in less than 3 hours. He was able to golf well into his 80’s.
Joseph is survived by his wife, Mary, children Joseph Jr (Cathy) Ackil, Jennifer (Jeffrey) Brandt, and 6 grandchildren; Joseph Ackil III, Bryan Ackil, Katherine Stallons, Thomas Ackil, Timothy Stallons and Matthew Brandt as well as his brother Dr. Albert Ackil, wife Ann, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Abdullah and Mary Ackil, sister Josephine George, brother Faris Ackil, sister Marion Solomon, and Michael Brandt.
A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthews Catholic Church, 105 Southville Rd, Southborough, MA 01772.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. www.alz.org
(Photo and Obituary via Morris-Johnston Funeral Home)
