Bert Acosta, 89, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, January 26 in San Diego, California.

Born in 1935 in Guadalajara, Mexico, Bert was the son of Jose Onesimo Acosta Nunez and Engracia Ana Landeros. He attended primary school in Tijuana, Mexico and immigrated to the United States at the age of 12 with his mother and aunt. He attended Hoover and Oceanside high schools, ultimately graduating from San Diego High before enrolling in the United States Air Force, where he served four years as a radio man. Part of his service included a tour in Korea.

After completing his military service, Bert attended community college and served as an HVAC apprentice under his Uncle Bill. Bert spent most of his working career in the HVAC industry and he would proudly proclaim all the high-rise buildings in downtown San Diego he worked on. After a serious motorcycle injury precluded him from climbing skyscrapers, he became a manager during the construction of the San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant, where he retired from his pipefitter's union.

After retirement, Bert became very active in the amputee community, serving as president of Amputees-In-Motion for many years and visiting dozens of amputees in local hospitals while bolstering their spirits and introducing them to life after amputation. In his earlier years, Bert volunteered his time as a Sunday School teacher at his community church and enjoyed being around his children, foster children and family pets including cats, dogs, rabbits and birds and later grandchildren. Bert was also much appreciated for volunteering his time and expertise fixing the air conditioning units and furnaces of those who were privileged to be his friend or acquaintance.

Bert is survived by his daughters Darlene, Dennise, Dawn and Susan and sons Lee, Neal, Steve and Derryl. He was preceded in death by his spouse Sherryln, whom he was married to for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles Temple of the L.D.S. church. He is also survived by his ex-spouse, Ruby, 20 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

Bert will be honored for his life and military service at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on Monday, February 24 at 3:30 p.m. surrounded by his loving family. Anyone wishing to honor Bert may do so by making a donation in his name to the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station I at 619-578-2615.