May 4, 1932 to December 5, 2012
Resident of Santa Clara
David passed away peacefully on December 5 at his home surrounded by his wife of 53 years Delia and their daughters Yolanda, Maria and Teresa.
David is survived by his son-in-laws Juan Reyes (Yolanda) and Art Ruiz (Maria) and 8 grandchildren Juan David, Jessica, Marco and Espiridion (Reyes) and Alicia, Gilbert and Gloria (Ruiz) and by Isabella (Acuna). David was also blessed with one great-grandson Derek Rodriquez (Reyes). He also survived by 3 step-children Richard Galindo, Virginia Salazar and Toni (Brian) Runke and their families. He also leaves 4 siblings Fidel Acuna, Vicki Estrada, Angie (Ralph) Valencia, and Socorro Musgrove and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
David was born in a suburb of Sacramento, Gardenland in 1932. He was the first of six children born to Raymond and Angela Acuna. By all accounts he was born into very humble beginnings and grew into a curious and mischievous young boy. He spent his youth tinkering with objects to see how they worked, building objects, playing baseball and teasing his sisters. He developed a love of aviation during this time also which lead to his career.
David joined the Navy in 1953 where he served as an aviation machinist and he served on two aircraft carriers, the USS Lexington and the USS Yorktown. His highest rank achieved in the military was AD2. He was very proud of his time in the Navy and enjoyed his travels from Hawaii to the Orient.
He then left the Navy with an Honorable Discharge and continued his aircraft/mechanical education in Southern California. He was then hired by United Airlines at San Francisco Airport where he spent the next 33 ½ years learning and teaching his craft.
He lived in San Bruno for a short while during his “bachelor days” as he liked to tell us but shortly after he met Delia and soon they moved to East Palo Alto where they began their lives and family. From there they moved down the peninsula to the city of Santa Clara where their family grew. He enjoyed watching baseball with a beer and cigarette, camping and having his children around. Working for United Airlines, he was able to take us on many vacations but this for some reason was always stressful on him until we were actually there. He had told us that he travelled enough during his time in the Navy and really didn’t need to travel anymore. But he did this for his family….
He retired from United in early 1990’s and pretty much just wanted to enjoy his life quietly. He was enjoying being a father and grandfather. He was not one to be the center of attention but he would help anyone and everyone who needed it. He gave a lot of himself to others over his life and lived his life quietly, proudly, honorably and with dignity. That is also how he left this world and he is now with his mother and father and younger brother and awaiting all of us. Daddy we love you and we will be together soon and know that you are always in our hearts and thoughts. Thank you for the wonderful life that you gave to us and we will do our best to pass on your example of life to our children and grandchildren. We will miss you but we are comforted knowing you are now at peace no longer suffering. Until then….
The Funeral will be Friday, December 14th at 10:30 a.m. at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester Blvd. Santa Clara. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Los Altos.
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