Guillermo Acosta

Guillermo “Bill” Acosta passed away in Naples, FL on December 13, 2020 at the age of 87 from complications secondary to COVID-19. He was predeceased by his parents Benigno and Josefina, his brother Fernando Acosta, first wife Carol Acosta and wife Joan Acosta. He is survived by his sisters, Josefina Acosta and Elvira Acosta; 5 children: Andrew Simon, Marla Acosta, Laura King, Mark Acosta, and Marina Acosta Enslen; 16 grandchildren: Nicole Simon, Rachael Acosta, Seth Freeman, Samson Lehman, Zachary Lehman, Morgan Gray, Mason Gray, Abigail Simon, Collin Queen, Josie Acosta, Lucas Acosta (Whitlock), Conor Acosta, Ava Acosta, Liam Enslen, Stella Acosta, and Clara Enslen; and other beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bill was born in Barranquilla, Colombia on September 1, 1933. He immigrated to the United States where he received his BS degree in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, followed by an advanced degree in Electrical Engineering from the Ohio State University. His career as an engineer started at Western Electric in Columbus, OH, which was acquired by AT&T in 1976. During his time at Western Electric, he was hand picked to liaise with Bell Labs to bring innovation to commercially viable telecom solutions in the areas of switching and fiber optics. Bill was one of the few who understood business viable application and technology capabilities. His career progressed at AT&T as he became a successful international executive for 36 years leading to his tenure as the President of AT&T Brazil in Rio de Janeiro. Bill was responsible for the first fiber optic ring deployments spanning all of Latin America and the Carribean. Upon his retirement from AT&T Brazil in 1994, Bill settled in South Florida working as an independent consultant and contractor.

Although a highly successful business executive, Bill’s legacy is in his impact on the lives of those around him. The pillar of his family, Bill was supportive to all who knew him, sharing his love, his experience and his hospitality to all in need. He was a friend and father to all and will be missed by those who knew him.

A service will be scheduled to celebrate his life at a later date in 2021.