[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 41 (Friday, March 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E425]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN MEMORY OF FRANK ACOSTA

                                 ______


                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 21, 1996

  Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the passing of a 
constituent of mine, Mr. Frank Acosta. Frank dedicated his life to 
serving his country and his community. His lifetime of service to the 
United States, the city of Falls Church and to the greater community of 
which we are a part demonstrates the tremendous importance of every 
person who seeks to improve our community.
  Frank served as a marine in World War II and later as a reporter, 
Federal employee, member of the school board, citizens' employee review 
board, and senior citizens' commission; but Frank will be remembered 
most for his long-term service on the Falls Church Electoral Board. 
Frank always looked for a way to give something back to his community, 
and he certainly succeeded.
  It would be impossible to count the number of lives Frank touched 
with his tireless dedication to his community. If we could each share 
just a fraction of the vision that Frank dreamed for his community, the 
world would be a far better place. I ask my colleagues to take a moment 
to remember Frank Acosta, and all of the other public servants like 
Frank who work every day to improve their communities.
  An article about Frank Acosta follows:

             [From Falls Church News-Press, Feb. 29, 1996]

                 Falls Church Pillar, Frank Acosta Dies

                          (By Margaret Jones)

       Frank Acosta's death at age 77 marked the end of a long, 
     distinguished career as journalist and public servant. Native 
     of New York City and graduate of the College of William and 
     Mary, he moved to this area in 1938 and started his 
     journalistic career here as a reporter for the Washington 
     Daily News.
       A former neighbor recalls that, while working for the 
     Washington Star in 1948, Frank was sent to Donora, PA to 
     cover the first air inversion disaster. For four days, a 
     toxic fog settled over the town, resulting in 20 deaths and 
     the hospitalization of thousands. His coordination of press 
     relations and reportage of this early serious pollution event 
     attracted the notice of the Department of Agriculture which 
     hired him to work on communications in that Department.
       While engaged in that capacity, Frank became interested in 
     the deterioration of the Potomac River and was instrumental 
     in the filming of a six-part documentary titled ``Our 
     Beautiful Potomac''. This series, according to the same 
     source, did not emphasize gloom and doom but rather put 
     forward ideas on how restoration of the waters might be 
     brought about. Sparked by Frank's vision, this documentatory 
     was shown not only on WRC but also aired nationally.
       During his long employment with the Department of Health, 
     Education and Welfare in communications and public affairs, 
     he worked to develop a public health system for American 
     Indians and on legislation which resulted in the Emergency 
     Medical Technicians Act of 1975.
       At the core of Frank Acosta's persona was his 
     thoughtfulness, consideration of others and feeling of 
     responsibility to his fellow man. This started within his 
     immediate and large family and found a natural extension 
     in the community in which he lived. Appointed in December 
     1995 to the Senior Citizens Commission, he had previously 
     served as a member of the School Board and is perhaps best 
     remembered for his long-time service on the Electoral 
     Board. In that capacity, he served four 3-year terms from 
     1982 until 1994 and was a member when Debbie Taylor was 
     hired as City Registrar in 1985. From 1987 until 1990 he 
     served as secretary of the Falls Church Citizens Employee 
     Review Board.
       His wife Elizabeth pre-deceased him in 1994. Because of her 
     literary interests, a memorial fund in her name was 
     established at the Mary Riley Styles Library. The family 
     suggests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to 
     Frank Acosta also be sent to the Library to establish a fund 
     in his name.
       Surviving members of this large and tightly knit family 
     include five children and their families: JoMarie Acosta; 
     Francis T. (Happy) Acosta; Andrew Acosta and Ann Crane and 
     their children Ariel, Marie and David; Elizabeth (Ibby) and 
     Patrick McCauley and their children Hannah Marie Burke and 
     Emily Mitchell; Philip and Jody Acosta and their children 
     Caitlin, Claire and Jake. Also surviving are five sisters; 
     Julie Wiatt, Helen Townsend, Celeste Cooper, Angie McCleskey 
     and Anita Dolan.
       At Monday's Falls Church City Council meeting, a number of 
     statements in honor of Frank Acosta's memory were made. Ruth 
     Chekov, chair of the Senior Citizens' Commission, said his 
     death ``is like the passing of an era.'' Acosta had served on 
     the Senior Commission last year.
       Long-time friend Lou Olom said, ``Frank was a stalwart in 
     devotion to the city.'' He was, Olom said, ``as energetic and 
     productive a citizen as this city has had. . . . This city 
     did not just happen, but came about because of the activity 
     of so many citizens like Frank.''
       Council member Jane Scully said, ``Frank was an enormously 
     special person,'' and cited his role in the passage of the 
     George Mason school bond referendum.
       City Manager David Lasso cited Acosta's ``sense of humor, 
     balance and perspective,'' and expressed gratitude for his 
     words of assurance last fall.
       State Delegate Bob Hull reported that the State Legislature 
     was adjourned in the memory of Frank Acosta on Tuesday.

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