George Acri, 84 of Spearfish, passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2014 at his home.

George was born on September 16, 1929 to Eugene and Jennie (Asciutto) Acri in Detroit, MI.  He moved with his family to Deadwood in 1943, where he attended Deadwood High School.  He enlisted in the Air Force for six years, spending two of those years in Japan during the Korean War, training for what would be his career in Air Traffic Control.  Upon his return he married Carol Smith in Spearfish in 1956.  They moved to Chicago where he began his very successful 30 year career with the FAA.  He began as Air Traffic Controller, "moving up through the ranks".  He became the Chief of the Indianapolis Air Traffic Control Center in 1976.  He returned to Chicago becoming Airways Facility Manager for the entire Midwest Region of the United States.  Along the way he received numerous honors and awards within the FAA.

In 1985, he and Carol returned to the Black Hills where they enjoyed their retirement.  They have traveled extensively over the past 30 years in their RV, which he dearly loved. They also belonged to the Winnebago Club making many dear friends along the way. He loved to golf and spend time with his family, most of all his grandsons who meant the world to him!

George loved his family dearly and will be missed by his wife, Carol; daughter, Jane Skvicalo both of Spearfish; grandsons, Jesse Skvicalo of Minneapolis, MN and Jarek Skvicalo Prior Lake MN; sister, Joyce (Bob) Hall, Huntington Beach, CA; brother, Jim Rachetto, Lincoln City, Oregon, brothers and sisters-in-law, Glenn and Jane Hogen, Ed and Mary Furois and Lois Doran all of Spearfish; ; his beloved Asciutto Family from Michigan, Gary Asciutto, George Asciutto, Gregg( Jacalyn) Asciutto,Linda Asciutto (Nancy Boris), Lisa Asciutto, Lori (Rob) McDaniel, Lois (Rob) Leach and Lorraine (Jim) Lewis; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Joe; parents and sister, Dorothy Luedecke.

The family would like to thank Dr. Forrest Brady and the staff from Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

George was a true gentleman throughout his life.  He carried himself with dignity and grace always.

Vigil services will be at 5:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Tyler Dennis as Celebrant.  Inurnment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery with honors by the Spearfish Honor Guard.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to Hospice of the Northern Hills.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels & Crematory Service of Spearfish.

Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com