Elbert Sapiera Acosta Sr.

Elbert Sapiera Acosta Sr. was born March 16, 1926 in Banaoang, Calasiao, Pangasinan, Philippines to Silverio Honrado Acosta and Maria Sapiera Acosta. He died peacefully with family in his home May 17, 2018. Elbert Sr. will always be remembered as a good husband, father, and true-blue patriot.

When Elbert Sr. was 17 years old, his father introduced him to Fely. Fely was working for the Acosta family selling anchovies and vegetables in Dagupan City, Philippines. Four years later, Elbert Sr. and Fely married on June 6, 1949. Together they had 7 children, Bernardito, Elbert, Bert, Bill, Jerry, Glenn, and daughter Julie. Elbert Sr. also leaves behind 18 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Elbert Sr. joined the United States Navy from the Philippines in 1945 and served dependably in both WWII and Korean War. His Navy career brought him and his family to many places around the world including Japan, San Francisco, Long Beach, Alameda, Concord, Lemoore, and Moffett Field. He served as a signalman on the ship and comptroller during his shore duty. He achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer (CPO E-7). He retired from the United States Navy in 1965 and continued to work for the United States Government for 20 more years. He received the Career Services award for 40 years of honorable service to the United States Government.

After retiring, Elbert Sr. and Fely decided to travel the world. They went to Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Bahamas, as well as, a month long road trip through the United States. They enjoyed traveling together, visiting family and friends around the world.

Elbert Sr. was actively involved in many different Filipino associations. He helped start the FilAm Association in Lemoore, He was a member of the United Pangasinanes of America Inc. and Calasiao Senor Divino Tesoro Association of America for many years. He was elected and served as President of Calasiao Senor Divino Association in 1985.

Elbert Sr. enjoyed spending time with family, reading, early morning walks and tending to his vegetable garden. He also was an exceptional guitar and harmonica player. His favorite song was The National Anthem and his favorite food was apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. He always liked to have family over to his house. He loved to cook breakfast for the grandchildren when they would sleep over. He was known for his garlic fried rice balls and pancakes. Together Elbert Sr. and Fely enjoyed attending the Filipino Association events and dancing the night away and attending family gatherings, such as, picnics, birthday parties, and holidays. It was important to him and it brought him much joy.

Elbert Sr.’s greatest accomplishments were sponsoring and bring his family from the Philippines to America for a better life and to live the American dream. He was very family oriented and was proud of all the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, siblings, nephews and nieces. Elbert sr. was a quiet and reserved man who made an immeasurable impact for the Acosta family and Filipino communities.