Clemente Acosta, age 87, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2013, at The Palatine Nursing Home in Canajoharie, NY. Clem was born on December 23, 1925 in Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico. He was the son of the late Ramon and Ana (Martinez) Acosta. He married Mary Kichura on December 23, 1982.
As a young man in Puerto Rico, Clem tuned pianos. When he moved to New York, he joined the Merchant Marines, sailing with The United States Coast Guard from 1945-1961. Clem was a member of The National Maritime Union of America. He also worked for a glove making business in Gloversville, NY, was a cutter for the Oneonta Dress Company, and retired as a glazier (glass cutter & fitter) for Burnham Holdings Inc. in Irvington, NY.
Everyone who knew Clem loved his quick and sharp wit, which he had until the very end. One could always find Clem outside tinkering with his tractors or any kind of engine. He also enjoyed watching western movies with his dogs by his side. Besides his children, one of Clem’s greatest accomplishments was building his own home with his wife Mary of over 30 years. He was happiest with family and grandchildren surrounding him, and his love and sense of humor will be greatly missed.
Clemente is survived by his loving wife Mary Acosta, Canajoharie, NY; his two sons Luis (Veronica) Acosta, Orono, MN; and Dr. Edwin (Bonnie) Acosta, Elmira, NY; as well as his four stepdaughters Olga Cwikla, Wasilla, AK; Nancy (Paul) Cianflone, Ontario, Canada; Kathy Cox, Oneonta, NY; and Veronika Kichura, Oneonta, NY; his brother Gilberto (Diony) Acosta, Sabana Grande, PR.; sister-in-law Martha Kowalczyk; and brother-in-law John Chacho. Clem has 11 grandchildren: Taylor, Taryn, Dax Acosta; Ashley, Evin, Schuyler Acosta; Renee Cwikla; Joseph, Nicholas, Celeste Cianflone, Michael Connor Piercy; one great grandchild, Andrew Ingraham, and several nieces and nephews.
Clem was preceded in death by his parents, Ana (Martinez) Acosta and Ramon Acosta; brothers, Miguel Acosta, Enrique Acosta and Jose Ramon Acosta (Muncho); sister, Librada (Marie) Acosta-Osborne; one daughter, Ana Liza Acosta and two sons, Nelson and Victor Acosta.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2013, from 5 to 7 pm. A funeral mass will be held at 10:15 a.m. on Friday, April 5, 2013 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta, with Reverend Bernard Ampong, officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.
A special thank you to the Mountain Valley Hospice, the entire staff at Palatine Nursing Home, and the Bassett Hospital, 3rd floor nursing staff and physicians for the tender loving care given to Clem.
Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.
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