August 23, 1936 - November 7, 2012
While small in stature, this “giant of a man” possessed both an incredible amount of commitment and unconditional love for his family and friends.
Acordio, the third of 4 sons and 2 daughters born to Lindsey C. Smith, Sr. and Luticia Marshall on August 23, 1936 in Porter, Oklahoma, was considered the “miracle baby” because he survived pneumonia during infancy.
In 1942 the family moved to Los Angeles, CA. He attended Grape Street Elementary School and David Starr Jordan High School where he excelled both academically and athletically.
While attending Los Angeles City College, Acordio was hired in his first civil service position as a Clerk for the County of Los Angeles. In 1957, while studying engineering at UCLA, he earned a position with the State of California as a Civil Engineer. As a Highway Inspector, he understood the importance of his duties and took his role very seriously to ensure that our freeways were built to the highest standards.
His relationship with God was also an important part of his life. Acordio joined the Bel-Vue Presbyterian Church of Los Angeles in 1958 where he became affectionately known as ‘Pete’. It was there that he developed close and lasting friendships that remained with him until his passing. As a member of Bel-Vue church he served as a Deacon, Usher and Greeter. He also later served as an Elder at St. Paul Presbyterian Church Los Angeles.
Married in 1963, Acordio and his wife moved to the San Fernando Valley, settling in Lake View Terrace, where they began their family. His three children; Tamia, Dorrell and Michael were his pride and joy.
In 1980 Acordio became a single father. With love, sacrifice, and determination he never lost sight of his passion as a parent and neighbor. He continued to volunteer as a baseball, basketball and football coach at the local parks and recreation center, mentored neighborhood children, always extended a helping hand to neighbors in need, and maintained a superior level of workmanship on the job. Acordio always understood that a happy home was one where love was the main ingredient.
In 2000, after over 36 years of dedicated service to the State of California, Acordio retired. He first moved to Oceanside, CA to help support his grandson’s academic endeavors before briefly moving to Texas in 2008. Being a “California kid”, he returned to his native roots in 2010 where he spent the remainder of his life. Battling poor and sometimes unpredictable health, Acordio never lost sight of his primary passion… Love of others!
Acordio’s memory will be indelibly planted in our hearts and memory. He will be greatly missed. While his death was preceded by his father and older brother, he leaves to celebrate his memory; his mother, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, 3 children, 7 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, countless cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends. Acordio will be missed, but his legacy of giving, compassion, and love will live in our hearts and minds forever.
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