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AMHERST - Robert John Ackermann, retired professor of philosophy and ombudsperson at the University of Massachusetts, died peacefully Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, after a long illness.

Bob was born March 5, 1933, in Sandusky, Ohio. He was president of both his high school and undergraduate senior classes, graduating from Lakewood High School in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1950 and Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, in 1954. He earned a master's degree in philosophy from Ohio University in 1957, and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University in 1960. After teaching appointments at Washington State University, the University of Pennsylvania and Washington University in St. Louis, he settled in 1968 at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, where he was professor of philosophy through his retirement in 1999.

During the last three years of his career, he served as university ombudsperson. He was an extremely productive scholar and teacher, the author of twelve books, a Fulbright lecturer, a Guggenheim Memorial Foundation fellow and the recipient of numerous honors at the University of Massachusetts, including the Provost's Award, the Chancellor's Lecturer, the Conte Research Fellowship and the University Distinguished Teaching Award.

He was an accomplished ragtime and jazz pianist who entertained many in venues from Mississippi riverboats to local retirement communities. He loved to play and teach tennis. He was a voracious reader in a variety of fields, with a special interest in politics and economics. After his retirement he became an expert computer programmer who conducted significant research into the traveling salesman problem of theoretical computer science.

Bob was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was adored by his family, students and friends and admired for his integrity, independence and knowledge of a wide range of subjects. He was a champion of causes, especially those of the underrepresented. He was active in the community, from establishing the Amherst Youth Soccer Program to serving on the Committee on Homelessness. He was a vigorous and long-standing member of Amherst Town Meeting and wrote a regular column in the Amherst Bulletin.

Bob lives on by his example which has strongly influenced the lives of many of those who were close to him.

Bob was the son of the late Robert William and Anna Marie Ackermann. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ann.

He is survived by his loving wife, Inge; sons Robert (Valerie Lambrou) and Carl (Carol Bonsignore); daughter Ilse (Meeno Peluce); grandchildren Amy, Kevin, Kaelyn, Bindi and Mette; and his brother, Paul.

A celebration of Bob's life for family and close friends will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Norwottuck Network, c/o Ann Wibiralske, P.O. Box 487, South Hadley, MA 01075. The Norwottuck Network supports the local bike path. Obituary and memorial register atdouglassfuneral.com.