Michael C. "Ackey" Atkinson

Michael C. “Ackey” Atkinson, 56, of Bethlehem, died unexpectedly on February 3, 2021. He was born and raised in Bethlehem; the son of MaryAnn (Barboza) Atkinson and the late James “Roach” Atkinson, Jr.



Ackey will be remembered as a loving father and a tremendous sports fan. He lived for sports; both playing and coaching. Ackey was a player and later a coach for the Norco Legion Baseball Bankos. He played basketball for his team, Ackeys, for over 20 years. Ackeys team won numerous championships, including the Bethlehem City League, Bethlehem Summer League, McCarron Tournament, Stellar Tournament, Parkland over-35 league, and was a three-time winner of the Tournament of Champions. He also enjoyed his time playing softball for Toccis Tailgaters, Warriors, Kings Seafood, Carlisle Grill, Drummies, and Ringers Roost. Ackeys passion was coaching basketball. He coached for St. Annes School, Northeast Middle School, Freedom High School boys team, Bethlehem Catholic High School boys team, and most recently he served as a coach for the Liberty High School girls team. Ackey was as a 1982 graduate of Liberty High School.

Of all aspects of his life, Ackey was most proud of his daughter, Darrianne. He loved spending time with her and their multiple daily chats on the phone.

Michael worked at ManorCare Bethlehem since 1982, working his way up the ladder, ultimately serving as head chef for Sodexo at that facility. He was a parishioner of St. Annes Catholic Church. And he was a member of the Heights A.A., the Jeffs, and N.E. Wanderers A.A.

He will be dearly missed by his mother, MaryAnn; daughter, Darrianne Atkinson and her mother, Kellie (Wilkins) Atkinson; sister, Michele Atkinson (Michael “Poncho” Donchez); nephews, Mark Atkinson (Shannon), Michael Donchez; and great nephew and nieces, Quintin, Maya, and Aubrey Atkinson. He was preceded in death by his best friend and father, Jim, on December 1, 2020.

The family will receive guests on Saturday, February 13, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Services will be private. Due to current restrictions, the number of guests permitted in the building at one time will be limited. Guests must wear a mask and practice social distancing upon entry. Friends are welcome to attend the burial at Holy Saviour Cemetery at 2 p.m. Those wishing to attend the burial services may meet us at the entrance, 2575 Linden St. Bethlehem, PA 18017.

Memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Athletic Club, 1115 Linden St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.

FUNERAL SERVICE STREAMING INFORMATION:

Connell Funeral Home is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Michael "Ackey" Atkinson Funeral Service

Feb 13, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Cemetery
Holy Saviour Cemetery
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Visitation
Saturday, February 13, 2021
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
The Connell Funeral Home
245 E. Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Burial
Saturday, February 13, 2021
2:00 PM
Holy Saviour Cemetery
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531