Greg Ackley Park
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The Gregory Ackley Memorial Park
"Mayor of Lordship"
Nov 28, 1951 - Feb 27, 1999
Gregory Ackley, life long Lordship resident. A loving son, brother, uncle,
community friend, and a humorist who had disabilities,
but was not defined by them.
Giver of good deeds known as the "Mayor of Lordship" who was the #1
volunteer for the Lordship Community, rode the streets of
Lordship on his bicycle helping people who he saw needed help.
At the sound of a siren, he would run to the scene of an accident or fire,
help direct traffic or assisted with parking cars.
Gregory was the proud recipient of jackets from the FBI, the Town of Stratford
EMTs, police and fire department for his devoted volunteerism and proudly
wore local business hats and t-shirts to support them.
Gregory was born with “Intellectual Disabilities” (ID) a neurodevelopmental
disorder and also suffered from grand mal seizures. When he was growing up
and even in his adult life he would be taunted, teased and called names
because he was different.
But Greg rose above all of their bullying and cruelty even though he had ID, he
knew in his heart that due to their lack of knowledge of his disabilities, that they
did not know any better.
Gregory’s life taught us all that it is the quality of life that matters,
no matter your obstacles.
Gregory passed away in Feb 27, 1999 at the age of 47.
Gregory’s rock garden to be built at his memorial park will be a
"Bully Free Zone" for an anti Bully Hero!
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(Bio above, story below, and photos submitted by Carol Ann McClean)
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Michael Mitola, Elite Eagle Scout
and Lordship resident gives Gazebo
To the Greg Ackley Memorial Park
To earn the rank of Eagle, a scout must demonstrate leadership and community service by organizing and carrying out an Eagle project, which for Michael was the procurement and implementation of the “Community Gazebo” in The Greg Ackley Memorial Park in the Lordship area of Stratford.
Mitola worked with Stratford’s 1st District Councilman, Chris Barnaby and the Town of Stratford to obtain the necessary permits and zoning approval.
He funded his project with donation from friends and community businesses by delivering flyers and holding a fundraising event in the park. Mitola received a special Town of Stratford Outstanding Service Award for his efforts in beautifying the community.
The ceremony was held on April 6th, 2013 at Lordship Community Church Fellowship Hall with witness of family, friends, special guests and the scouting community. Michael joins an elite group of young men who have earned the Eagle rank. The first Eagle was awarded in 1912 and less than 4% of Scouts ever achieve Scouting's highest honor.
Attending the ceremony was United States Senator Richard Blumenthal who awarded Michael a Certificate of Special Recognition for his outstanding Eagle Scout achievement.
Mitola also received an Eagle Scout Commendation Award from the Grand Connecticut Masonic Scouters Association for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
Completing two years at West Virginia University, in the Fall of 2016, Michael transferred to Uconn Storrs campus to finish his college education.
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Additional Links
Contact Information
Prospect Dr. & Stratford Road
Stratford, CT 06614
Gregory Ackley
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