Richard Henry Ackerman

Richard Henry Ackerman, C.S.Sp. (August 30, 1903 – November 18, 1992) was an American Latin Catholic prelate of the Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Covington in Kentucky from 1960 to 1978. He previously served as an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of San Diego in California from 1956 to 1960. Ackerman was a member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost (Holy Ghost Fathers).

Early life and education Richard Ackerman was born on August 30, 1903, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to John and Josephine (née Richard) Ackerman. After graduating from Duquesne University high school in Pittsburgh, he entered the Duquesne University School of Drama in 1920.

Deciding to become a priest, Ackerman joined the Holy Ghost Fathers in 1921 and made his religious profession to the order at Ridgefield, Connecticut on August 15, 1922. After his ordination, the Holy Ghost Fathers assigned Ackerman as assistant pastor at St. Benedict the Moor Parish in Pittsburgh and later at St. Mary Parish in Detroit, Michigan. Between 1926 and 1940, Ackerman also served as master of novices for the Holy Ghost Fathers and assistant to the professor of philosophy at St. Mary Seminary in Norwalk.

Retirement and death On reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75, after 18 years of service, Ackerman resigned as bishop of Covington on November 28, 1978. He died in Covington on November 18, 1992, at age 89 and was buried at St. Mary Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.