Frederick Henry Acosta "Skipper" 1932 - 2011 Born November 1, 1932 in Carpenteria, California and went to be with the Lord and join his wife Ann on July 13, 2011. Fred will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Fred was a brick, block, and stone mason for over 40 years. He owned and operated Acosta Masonry along with his son Steve. He graduated from Fresno High School, attended Fresno City College and served in the United States Navy. He played semi- professional football for the San Jose Packers. Fred coached Fairfax little league, Jack Frost Football, football and baseball at Foothill and East Bakersfield High Schools. He had a great rapport with the youth on the east side of Bakersfield. Fred donated his labor to many youth organizations over the years building dugouts, weight rooms, block bleachers, and snack bars, he also served for many years on the Foothill High School Booster Club. Fred is preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Lois Acosta, his wife of 53 years Beau Ann Acosta, and his brother Andy Acosta, and sister Mary Hill. He is survived by his sisters Frances and husband Charles Del Re, Shirley and husband Ron Cavella, his brothers Robert and wife Joan Acosta, Jim and wife Amelia Acosta, his children, Steve and wife Teresa Acosta, Kathi and husband Gary Blackford, his grandchildren, Josh and wife Tisha Acosta, Jami and husband Brian Azevedo, Wendi and husband Scott Elliott, Jodi and husband Justin Rhoden, Gary Blackford II, his great grandchildren, Anthony and Alyssa Ramirez, Destin and Logan Elliott, Jordyn and Brenna Acosta, Ashleigh and husband Bricen Shoaf, Sydni, Isaiah, and Samuel Azevedo, Noah, Aaron, and Lahela Rhoden, and Aylee Blackford, and great-great- granddaughter, Mackenzie Shoaf. He is also survived by three daughters, Cheryl, Debbie, and Cindy, grandchildren Shane, Ian, Simarron, Monica, Nicki, Cory, Cindy, and Shawn, and many great- grandchildren. The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support through this difficult time and would like to extend a special thanks to the CCU and the 4th floor staff at Marian Medical Center in Santa Maria. We would also like to thank Pastor Ron Vietti and Pastor Hector Rizo of Valley Bible Fellowship. Viewing will be from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 17, 2011. Graveside services will be held on Monday, July 18, 2011 9:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Following the graveside service, a memorial will be held at Valley Bible Fellowship at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow at VBF's Station 3:16. Please join us to celebrate Fred's life. The Skipper has gone to the high country to meet Jesus and join his first mate Beausie. He is now laying bricks of gold in heaven. www.bakersfield.com/obits
Published in Bakersfield Californian on July 16, 2011