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“IN MEMORY OF FRANK ACOSTA” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E425 on March 22, 1996.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN MEMORY OF FRANK ACOSTA
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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:
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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