September 20, 1935 – May 28, 2013
David Acosta was born in Palm Springs, California on September 20, 1935. His parents, Encarnacion and Guadalupe Acosta, emigrated from Mexico making Dave a first generation American. Soon after, his family relocated to San Jose, CA where he attended Grant Elementary and San Jose High School. In 1954 he enlisted in the Navy. He attended boot camp in San Diego and received training as a diesel engineman. During the Korean War, he served on both the USS Union and the USS Parche. Dave received various commendations including: National Defense, China Service, Good Conduct, United Nations, Korea Defense and Presidential Unit Citation.
David met his future wife Erlinda Grijalva, in the second grade. They married in 1958 in Carson City, Nevada. Together they raised two boys, Martin born in 1962 and Roland born two years later in 1964.
Towards the end of his military service he started his career at Lockheed Missiles and Space. Even though he had no college degree, his innate intelligence and work ethic allowed him to excel. He successfully worked his way up to Senior Project Manager. Dave took early retirement from Lockheed in 1990.
Dave has had many hobbies and passions throughout his life, one of these being motorcycles. He became a charter member of the Campbell Motorcycle Club, serving in many capacities, including Club President. Campbell M/C sponsored many Hill Climb competitions, primarily at Carnegie Cycle Park during the 1970s. His competitive nature garnered many awards including his Expert Plate Division ranking.
Long distance running was another of Dave’s hobbies. He would train for miles every day after work. He participated in numerous10K events throughout the Bay Area. It was during this period that he first became interested in soccer because both his boys played in organized leagues; resulting in Dave coaching Roland’s soccer team, the Sting. Once coaching ended, Dave’s real passion came to the forefront . . . Officiating.
Soccer officiating became his ultimate career. The responsibilities of being a referee melded perfectly with his skills and talent; organization, attention to detail, sense of fairness, ability to apply written law, but most importantly his desire to teach others. As with every other area of his life, he excelled in this endeavor as well. During his distinguished soccer career he received many accolades, numerous advanced certifications and held many management posts on both the amateur and professional levels. Dave’s management and extensive knowledge of the game contributed in no small part to being hired as the first employee of Off the Wall Soccer back in 1993; contributing to its success as Chief of Referees and Referee Coordinator. It is estimated that Dave has logged over 17,000 outdoor and 7,500 indoor games during his career.
As one can imagine, Dave touched many lives over the years. He has friends and acquaintances spread throughout the world; he will be missed, but never forgotten.
“Working as administrator and referee for soccer seven days a week and loving every minute”
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2013 from 6-9PM with Rosary at 7PM at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester Blvd., Santa Clara. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 7, 2013 at 9:30AM at Our Lady of Peace Parish, 2800 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara. Interment to follow in Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln St., Santa Clara. Immediately following the Interment, family and friends are invited
to the Celebration of Life at Off the Wall Soccer, 700 Mathew St., Santa Clara.
For more information please visit David's Tribute Page from his friends at Off the Wall Soccer.
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