Arthur James Acton
August 11, 1942 - August 15, 2024
Service: A memorial service Saturday September 7, 2024 at 11:30 AM at Devlin Funeral Home of Cranberry Twp. 2678 Rochester Road
Arthur James Acton, 82, of Zelienople passed away peacefully at his home on August 15, 2024. He left the world as he lived his life, with courage, dignity and without fanfare.
A son of Harry Lyle and Bernice Jean Acton, he was born in Sterling, IL where he lived for 4 years until his father’s tragic death at age 40. His mother then moved their family to Pittsburgh where Art spent his formative years. He was a graduate of North Hills High School, the College of Wooster and the University of Michigan where he obtained his doctoral degree. Art then began his academic career with his first teaching job at Marietta College in 1967. Art was always interested in a challenge, and several years later began a gradual transition into college administration with positions as Registrar and Assistant Dean at Marietta. He continued his career at Waynesburg University, Chatham University, Ohio Northern University and Clarion (now PennWest) University. His lifelong love of learning and commitment to academic success for his students made him a strong supporter of higher education.
Arthur lived a full and rewarding life. He will be remembered for his love of travel, reading (particularly historical and naval novels), dad jokes, a good cup of tea, a strong gin and tonic, convertibles, big band and guitar music and loud bagpipes. He was to the end a faithful Pirate and Steeler fan. He had a generous spirit, was always willing to share his time and many talents and supported many political and social justice causes.
Art was the last surviving member of his immediate family and was preceded in death by his parents, brother Peter and sister Bonnie. He is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann, and his beloved children Audrey (Damaro) Lewis, Anne (Luke) Wilmoth and Catherine Acton and his noisy but adorable grandchildren Ella, Maggie and Henry. He is also survived by many nieces and their families.
The family asks that any memorial contributions be made to Marietta College, to PennWest to the Arthur J. Acton scholarship fund or to the American Cancer Assn.
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Mary Ann,
So sorry for your loss. Praying dor you and your family.
Mary Ann,
We’re so sorry to hear about Art. I just know him thru your facebook posts but I just loved to see your family joys and loving smiles. Your family will be in our prayers.
Barb & Rich Woznicki
We send our heartfelt sympathy to the family. Art was a great man and will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. May God wrap his loving arms around you all and provide comfort during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you.
Mary Ann,
So very sorry to learn of Art’s passing. He was such a wonderful guy and will be missed at our family reunions. Our condolences to you and your family.
Joe and Carole Pepe
MaryAnn and family our deepest condolences for your loss ,Mark,Rosemary,Sharon and Jim
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you.