Manuel A. Acosta "Lolo"

Manuel Antonio Acosta, AKA “LOLO” by those that knew and loved him, born 09-13-1930 in Bahia Honda, Pinar Del Rio, Cuba to Abelardo Acosta-Costa (Father) and Maria P. Torres-Millan (Mother) passed away on August 13th, 2020, from complications of the COVID-19 Virus.

LOLO is survived by the love of his life of 65 years his wife Maria del Carmen Acosta (Mayor/Delgado) also by a daughter Maria ‘Carmencita’ Acosta (Torres) (Benjamin) and a son Juan ‘Manolito’ Acosta (Emma). LOLO was blessed to have 7 biological Grandkids Carmen Bernadette, Enrique Jose aka ‘Macho’, Michael Benjamin, Jennifer, Christina Nicole, Miguel Antonio, and Anamaria Carmen in addition to few adopted Grandkids Elangie, Angel, And Claudia that he loved as his own. LOLO also has 12 Biological Great -Grandchildren Gabby, Tyson, Isabella, Landon, Myniah, Kairi, Tristan, Laylah, Lucas, Nathan, Miguelito Jr., and Caesare, as well as a few that he also adopted as his own Malitza, Collin, Justin, and Zion. He had one Great Great Grandchild Bentley with another on the way. LOLO also had quite a few Nieces and Nephews ( Hector Fernandez, Abelardo E. Acosta MD, Ivo Fernandez , Hortencia Cobas, (Fernandez), Jorge L. Acosta MD, Ingrid Dooley (Fernandez), Miguel Orlando Busto (dec.) Ileana Fajardo (Busto), Alicita Salazar (Leon) , Tania Gamboa (Aguilar), Vivian Hoy (Leon), Esther Jaquez (Aguilar), Adriana Leon, Nancy Ezell (Aguilar), and Natacha Santiago (Aguilar) so many other kids in the family that grew up Loving him and calling him “Tio” and he loved them in return.

Lolo had two older Brothers that preceded him in death Dr. Abelardo P. Acosta (Fe) and Jorge Luis Acosta (Onelia) and Sister Maria J Acosta, 96 years old, that is still living in Ocala, Florida. LOLO had resided in Port Charlotte, FL after his retirement in 1993 moving from the Chicagoland suburb of Stone Park IL. Originally From Cuba, LOLO immigrated to the United States in 1965 during the Camarioca Boat Lift seeking freedom from the Tyranny of Fidel Castro’s Communist Regime. After 8 months in Miami, LOLO moved his family to Chicago where he knew there were better opportunities to provide for his family.

LOLO was a Veteran of the Fuerza Aeria Ejercito de Cuba (Cuban Air Force pre Castro). He was an Aviation Mechanic achieving the rank of Sargeant. He specialized on working on B-25/ B-26 Bombers and was attached to the Bomber squadron. LOLO’s attention to detail and extensive skills as a mechanic got him the position as the Head Mechanic/Crew Chief to the Cuban Air Force’s Senior Officer.

LOLO made a his career as an Industrial Machine Mechanic. He worked at several Manufacturing Plants in the Chicago area retiring from International Harvester/Navistar. LOLO was a member of the Machinist Union early on in his career in the USA, then the United Auto Workers when he started working at IH.

LOLO was an avid baseball fan. He loved his Chicago teams; the Chicago CUBS and the Chicago WHITE SOX and later adopted Tampa Bay RAYS.

LOLO was a wonderful man that was loved and respected by all that knew him. He developed a lifetime collection of friends, colleagues, and brothers and sisters in Christ. He was always willing to help and to give his advise to those that he cared for. He, as well as his wife, always had an open door for someone in need or that needed a place to stay. So many passed through the doors of their home in Chicago as well as Florida and lived with them until they could stand on their feet. The beautiful thing was that he never asked anything in return. LOLO had wisdom and knowledge and was a man with Quiet Strength. He did not like to argue or yell but got his point across in a respectful and loving manner. His family was his life especially when the Grandkids came along. They all were his #1’s starting with the original Classic Bernie that actually gave him the name “LOLO” that had stuck for 46 years. LOLO also loved his animals his dogs and even his cats when he had them. They were a big part of his life as well. Whether they were big or small his dogs were always by his side.

The most important thing that LOLO had was His Love for God and His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He attended the First Baptist Church of Port Charlotte Spanish Congregation. He was the perfect example of one that was a Follower of Christ by the manner in which he LIVED. He gave Godly advice to those that needed to hear it, but in a loving way. He prayed daily for those that needed prayer and for his family. He was a Pillar and an Elder in the Spanish Church. His Faith was evident in every aspect of his life. He will be truly missed but we as a family know that he is preparing a Place in Heaven when we join him.

A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted on what would have been His 90th Birthday Sunday September 13th, 2020 starting at 1230-1500 at the First Baptist Church of Port Charlotte 20035 Quesada Ave Port Charlotte, Fl. 33952 to include a reception where refreshments and food will be served. Masks are recommended.

In Lieu of Flowers the Family would appreciate donations be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or the Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County.

To express condolences to the family and share in celebrating the life of LOLO, please visit www.JohnsonTaylorFuneral.com and sign the online guestbook.  Arrangements are by Johnson Taylor Funeral and Cremation.