Angel Acosta

Angel Acosta, Jr. was born on September 2, 1938, in Willowbrook, California to Angel Cerecer Acosta and Felipa Garcia Acosta. He entered eternity on September 19th, 2017. Angel was a devoted father to his family of five children, three daughters and two sons. A majority of his years were spent in Carson, California and he later retired to Hemet, California. Angel attended Wilmington Park Elementary, Wilmington Junior High, and Phineas Banning High School, Class of Winter 1958. Angel lettered in track, wrestling and football during high school. As a young boy, Angel helped his parents at the family store. He learned from his father to keep his eyes open for opportunities and always work a deal. From the age of 15, he began working at a lumber yard and next became a gas station attendant for Lou Romer at PCH and Blinn in Wilmington. On June 23rd, 1958, he was inducted into the US Army Reserve and continued to serve for six years. When Angel was honorably discharged from the Army, he did so proudly with a Good Conduct Medal. After leaving the Army, Angel spent the next 17 years from 1961-1978 working for the Dominguez Water Company. For the next 23 years, Angel became a heavy equipment Operating Engineer for D&D Equipment Rental, where he won several accolades for his workmanship during his years of employment. As an Operating Engineer, he helped lay the foundations and build structures such as The Getty, the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX, the Segerstrom Center for Arts and much, much more. Angel retired from Operator Engineers Local 12 Union in 2001. Angel was as an active and committed community volunteer. He served the Wilmington Carson Girls Softball League and CarsonLittle League, holding several positions and offices over the years. He was a devoted Coach to many teams, even taking a few teams to State competitions. During the 1970s, he served as a Community Advisory Member for Wilmington Jr. High. Angel was a volunteer and helped with Sunday school at Harbor Christian Center in Wilmington. More recently, Angel attended and served along side the “Blessed Bunch” at his church, The Olive Branch, here in Hemet. After retiring, Angel relocated to Hemet, California in 2006. He was happiest caring for his garden and sharing its bounty with everyone. He was ready to extend hospitality to all who entered his home and yard, always saying, “Please, pick something before the birds eat it. Take something home with you.” When not at his yard, he could be found watching football, westerns or his favorite, John Wayne. He always had candy, either in his pocket or in giant jars at home ready to share. He loved to sit and share a meal with family and friends. Angel was always ready to celebrate, even the little things in life. He was sometimes known as the “Party Boy”. Even to this day, some of the Dominguez Water company picnics and construction site parties he planned and put together are fondly remembered. Here are some of the words of wisdom that he shared with his children and grandchildren that they will carry with them: “Always be on time.” “Keep working hard.” “A birthday doesn’t count until you have cake and sing ‘Happy Birthday'.” “If you can help someone, always do what you can.” “You never know unless you ask.” “Go and get your education, because no one can take it away from you.” Angel is survived by his children, grandchildren, a sister, cousins, nephews and nieces. Angela Acosta Chavez, her husband, Raul Chavez and their children: Christopher, Michael, Jacob, Alegria, and Jessica. Ava Acosta Lopez, her husband, David Lopez and their children: Rachel, David Jr., and Daniel. Anna Acosta Nersasian and her husband, Steve Nersasian and their son Austin. Anthony Acosta and his wife, Alma Acosta and their children: Anthony Jr. and Avian. Adrian Acosta and his wife, Christine Acosta. His sister Isabel Ahumada. His best friend and brother, Chris Ysais and his wife Rosalie Ysais Angel survived his siblings: Richard Hernandez, Sylvia Hernandez, Lucy Hernandez, and John Acosta and In the last few years of his life his companion Dixie Lewis. We long for the day we can be with him again. His legacy of love for God and others will live on in the hearts of all those that held him so dear.