"The Legend", William (Bill) Young Acosta, 63, a resident of Silver City, entered eternal rest on Sunday, July 3, 2005 at Gila Regional Medical Center.
A prayer vigil was held at the WNMU Fine Arts Auditorium, led by Deacon Jeremiah Bustillos and Bill's cousin, Alex Acosta. The funeral liturgy was held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, with Father Rod Nichols officiating. The rite of committal and interment followed at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Cemetery.
Bill, a descendent of Southwest historical figure William Young, better known as "Apache Bill" was born September 8, 1941 in Silver City, to Pete and Esther (Young) Acosta. He worked for Texas-New Mexico Power Co. as an Engineering Assistant, retiring in 2002 after 38 years of service. During that period, he also held various part-time jobs including driving an ambulance and selling real-estate.
Bill's radio announcing career began in 1968 at KSIL radio, where he hosted the ever-popular "Serenata Mexicana" for 13 years thereafter. Bill would joke that KSIL asked him to help out part time. From that point, he never left radio, and from there continued his career as a DJ. Throughout his career, Bill's enthusiasm never wavered and listeners who needed a pick-me-up could always count on his jokes and enthusiasm. "Les daba mucho animo." He often lovingly shared personal experiences on air; for example, family taco nights, and he quickly became known as the avid Taco Lover of Grant County, with some listeners even occasionally bringing tacos to him directly. His popularity soared -- a survey once conducted by WNMU students found that Bill's program had the highest listenership of all local radio stations. Bill continued his DJ career, working with KNFT, and more recently, KNUW, "La Sabrosa".
Bill's love of music didn't stop there. He was also once known as the #1 promoter of musical entertainment in Grant County. He attracted Mexican/Chicano and Tejano talent such as: Ray Camancho, Little Joe, Ruben Ramos, Latin Breed, Jimmy Edwards, Mazz, Freddy Fender, Flaco Jimenez, Emilio, the late Selena; the internationally known Ray Camacho, as well as Mexican artists Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre, Cornelio Reyna, Lalo "El Pipporro" Gonzales, Sparks, Lorenzo Antonio, and many more. Country Music productions included acts such as The Bellamy Brothers, Rick Trevino, Wade Hayes, and BJ Thomas. Along with other awards, in 1984, Bill was the recipient of the "Super Chicano of the Year" award from the El Teatro San Vicente, a local Mexican-American theatrical group, for his desire to promote Mexican and Chicano culture, and for encouraging the exchange of ideas, works, and arts in order to achieve a better understanding between peoples. He also spent unending hours promoting local musical talent, and served as master of ceremonies for numerous cultural events around Grant County. He also served as a judge at the state Hispanic Music Awards event in Albuquerque.
Bill was survived by his wife Della; daughter Yvonne Acosta and fiance, Jason Phillips of Tucson; son Bill Acosta Jr. and fiance, Lisa Bradley of Charlotte NC; daughter Annette Acosta of Silver City; son Eric Acosta Ruiz and companion Kimberly Hunter of Silver City; grandchildren "Mi Baby" Kristin Acosta, "La Preciosa" Camille Bradley, and his newest little love, "Miss" Molly Parra; his Mother Esther Acosta of Silver City; Brother Ronnie Acosta and Wife Charlene of California; Sisters Irene Roybal and Husband Alfred; Isabel Martinez and Husband Pete, and Dorothy Trujillo, all of Silver City.
Also special to Bill were: Mr. M.O. Placencio (his friend and special gardener); Hal Sontag (friend and former co-worker); the staff at DCI, Dr. Laura Davenport-Reed and Johnny Reed PA; Johnny Candelaria, whose never-ending phone calls assured Bill of a kidney, and his many nieces, nephews, friends, and business associates.
He was preceded in death by his Father, brother Pete, and sister Helen.
Casket bearers were: Jim Nanez, Michael Wood, Freddie Roybal, Johnny Candelaria, Hal Sontag, John Lopez, Andy Parra, and Edward Alvo. Honorary bearers were: State Rep. Diane Hamilton, Wanda Garcia, Dan Stokes, M.O. Placencio, Jessie Montes Sr., Jessie Montes Jr., Paul Montes, Jim Foy, Tom Stewart, George Mesa, Eugene Bustillos, Brandon Perrault, Carlos Vasquez, Peter Martinez, Tony Wood, Robert Blea, and his many nieces, nephews, and numerous friends.
Bill, it's time to "hang up the ole microphone!"
He leaves Grant County with a legacy of fun, humor, and the love of music. He will be greatly missed.
A prayer vigil was held at the WNMU Fine Arts Auditorium, led by Deacon Jeremiah Bustillos and Bill's cousin, Alex Acosta. The funeral liturgy was held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, with Father Rod Nichols officiating. The rite of committal and interment followed at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Cemetery.
Bill, a descendent of Southwest historical figure William Young, better known as "Apache Bill" was born September 8, 1941 in Silver City, to Pete and Esther (Young) Acosta. He worked for Texas-New Mexico Power Co. as an Engineering Assistant, retiring in 2002 after 38 years of service. During that period, he also held various part-time jobs including driving an ambulance and selling real-estate.
Bill's radio announcing career began in 1968 at KSIL radio, where he hosted the ever-popular "Serenata Mexicana" for 13 years thereafter. Bill would joke that KSIL asked him to help out part time. From that point, he never left radio, and from there continued his career as a DJ. Throughout his career, Bill's enthusiasm never wavered and listeners who needed a pick-me-up could always count on his jokes and enthusiasm. "Les daba mucho animo." He often lovingly shared personal experiences on air; for example, family taco nights, and he quickly became known as the avid Taco Lover of Grant County, with some listeners even occasionally bringing tacos to him directly. His popularity soared -- a survey once conducted by WNMU students found that Bill's program had the highest listenership of all local radio stations. Bill continued his DJ career, working with KNFT, and more recently, KNUW, "La Sabrosa".
Bill's love of music didn't stop there. He was also once known as the #1 promoter of musical entertainment in Grant County. He attracted Mexican/Chicano and Tejano talent such as: Ray Camancho, Little Joe, Ruben Ramos, Latin Breed, Jimmy Edwards, Mazz, Freddy Fender, Flaco Jimenez, Emilio, the late Selena; the internationally known Ray Camacho, as well as Mexican artists Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre, Cornelio Reyna, Lalo "El Pipporro" Gonzales, Sparks, Lorenzo Antonio, and many more. Country Music productions included acts such as The Bellamy Brothers, Rick Trevino, Wade Hayes, and BJ Thomas. Along with other awards, in 1984, Bill was the recipient of the "Super Chicano of the Year" award from the El Teatro San Vicente, a local Mexican-American theatrical group, for his desire to promote Mexican and Chicano culture, and for encouraging the exchange of ideas, works, and arts in order to achieve a better understanding between peoples. He also spent unending hours promoting local musical talent, and served as master of ceremonies for numerous cultural events around Grant County. He also served as a judge at the state Hispanic Music Awards event in Albuquerque.
Bill was survived by his wife Della; daughter Yvonne Acosta and fiance, Jason Phillips of Tucson; son Bill Acosta Jr. and fiance, Lisa Bradley of Charlotte NC; daughter Annette Acosta of Silver City; son Eric Acosta Ruiz and companion Kimberly Hunter of Silver City; grandchildren "Mi Baby" Kristin Acosta, "La Preciosa" Camille Bradley, and his newest little love, "Miss" Molly Parra; his Mother Esther Acosta of Silver City; Brother Ronnie Acosta and Wife Charlene of California; Sisters Irene Roybal and Husband Alfred; Isabel Martinez and Husband Pete, and Dorothy Trujillo, all of Silver City.
Also special to Bill were: Mr. M.O. Placencio (his friend and special gardener); Hal Sontag (friend and former co-worker); the staff at DCI, Dr. Laura Davenport-Reed and Johnny Reed PA; Johnny Candelaria, whose never-ending phone calls assured Bill of a kidney, and his many nieces, nephews, friends, and business associates.
He was preceded in death by his Father, brother Pete, and sister Helen.
Casket bearers were: Jim Nanez, Michael Wood, Freddie Roybal, Johnny Candelaria, Hal Sontag, John Lopez, Andy Parra, and Edward Alvo. Honorary bearers were: State Rep. Diane Hamilton, Wanda Garcia, Dan Stokes, M.O. Placencio, Jessie Montes Sr., Jessie Montes Jr., Paul Montes, Jim Foy, Tom Stewart, George Mesa, Eugene Bustillos, Brandon Perrault, Carlos Vasquez, Peter Martinez, Tony Wood, Robert Blea, and his many nieces, nephews, and numerous friends.
Bill, it's time to "hang up the ole microphone!"
He leaves Grant County with a legacy of fun, humor, and the love of music. He will be greatly missed.
"The Legend", William (Bill) Young Acosta, 63, a resident of Silver City, entered eternal rest on Sunday, July 3, 2005 at Gila Regional Medical Center.
A prayer vigil was held at the WNMU Fine Arts Auditorium, led by Deacon Jeremiah Bustillos and Bill's cousin, Alex Acosta. The funeral liturgy was held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, with Father Rod Nichols officiating. The rite of committal and interment followed at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Cemetery.
Bill, a descendent of Southwest historical figure William Young, better known as "Apache Bill" was born September 8, 1941 in Silver City, to Pete and Esther (Young) Acosta. He worked for Texas-New Mexico Power Co. as an Engineering Assistant, retiring in 2002 after 38 years of service. During that period, he also held various part-time jobs including driving an ambulance and selling real-estate.
Bill's radio announcing career began in 1968 at KSIL radio, where he hosted the ever-popular "Serenata Mexicana" for 13 years thereafter. Bill would joke that KSIL asked him to help out part time. From that point, he never left radio, and from there continued his career as a DJ. Throughout his career, Bill's enthusiasm never wavered and listeners who needed a pick-me-up could always count on his jokes and enthusiasm. "Les daba mucho animo." He often lovingly shared personal experiences on air; for example, family taco nights, and he quickly became known as the avid Taco Lover of Grant County, with some listeners even occasionally bringing tacos to him directly. His popularity soared -- a survey once conducted by WNMU students found that Bill's program had the highest listenership of all local radio stations. Bill continued his DJ career, working with KNFT, and more recently, KNUW, "La Sabrosa".
Bill's love of music didn't stop there. He was also once known as the #1 promoter of musical entertainment in Grant County. He attracted Mexican/Chicano and Tejano talent such as: Ray Camancho, Little Joe, Ruben Ramos, Latin Breed, Jimmy Edwards, Mazz, Freddy Fender, Flaco Jimenez, Emilio, the late Selena; the internationally known Ray Camacho, as well as Mexican artists Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre, Cornelio Reyna, Lalo "El Pipporro" Gonzales, Sparks, Lorenzo Antonio, and many more. Country Music productions included acts such as The Bellamy Brothers, Rick Trevino, Wade Hayes, and BJ Thomas. Along with other awards, in 1984, Bill was the recipient of the "Super Chicano of the Year" award from the El Teatro San Vicente, a local Mexican-American theatrical group, for his desire to promote Mexican and Chicano culture, and for encouraging the exchange of ideas, works, and arts in order to achieve a better understanding between peoples. He also spent unending hours promoting local musical talent, and served as master of ceremonies for numerous cultural events around Grant County. He also served as a judge at the state Hispanic Music Awards event in Albuquerque.
Bill was survived by his wife Della; daughter Yvonne Acosta and fiance, Jason Phillips of Tucson; son Bill Acosta Jr. and fiance, Lisa Bradley of Charlotte NC; daughter Annette Acosta of Silver City; son Eric Acosta Ruiz and companion Kimberly Hunter of Silver City; grandchildren "Mi Baby" Kristin Acosta, "La Preciosa" Camille Bradley, and his newest little love, "Miss" Molly Parra; his Mother Esther Acosta of Silver City; Brother Ronnie Acosta and Wife Charlene of California; Sisters Irene Roybal and Husband Alfred; Isabel Martinez and Husband Pete, and Dorothy Trujillo, all of Silver City.
Also special to Bill were: Mr. M.O. Placencio (his friend and special gardener); Hal Sontag (friend and former co-worker); the staff at DCI, Dr. Laura Davenport-Reed and Johnny Reed PA; Johnny Candelaria, whose never-ending phone calls assured Bill of a kidney, and his many nieces, nephews, friends, and business associates.
He was preceded in death by his Father, brother Pete, and sister Helen.
Casket bearers were: Jim Nanez, Michael Wood, Freddie Roybal, Johnny Candelaria, Hal Sontag, John Lopez, Andy Parra, and Edward Alvo. Honorary bearers were: State Rep. Diane Hamilton, Wanda Garcia, Dan Stokes, M.O. Placencio, Jessie Montes Sr., Jessie Montes Jr., Paul Montes, Jim Foy, Tom Stewart, George Mesa, Eugene Bustillos, Brandon Perrault, Carlos Vasquez, Peter Martinez, Tony Wood, Robert Blea, and his many nieces, nephews, and numerous friends.
Bill, it's time to "hang up the ole microphone!"
He leaves Grant County with a legacy of fun, humor, and the love of music. He will be greatly missed.
A prayer vigil was held at the WNMU Fine Arts Auditorium, led by Deacon Jeremiah Bustillos and Bill's cousin, Alex Acosta. The funeral liturgy was held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, with Father Rod Nichols officiating. The rite of committal and interment followed at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Cemetery.
Bill, a descendent of Southwest historical figure William Young, better known as "Apache Bill" was born September 8, 1941 in Silver City, to Pete and Esther (Young) Acosta. He worked for Texas-New Mexico Power Co. as an Engineering Assistant, retiring in 2002 after 38 years of service. During that period, he also held various part-time jobs including driving an ambulance and selling real-estate.
Bill's radio announcing career began in 1968 at KSIL radio, where he hosted the ever-popular "Serenata Mexicana" for 13 years thereafter. Bill would joke that KSIL asked him to help out part time. From that point, he never left radio, and from there continued his career as a DJ. Throughout his career, Bill's enthusiasm never wavered and listeners who needed a pick-me-up could always count on his jokes and enthusiasm. "Les daba mucho animo." He often lovingly shared personal experiences on air; for example, family taco nights, and he quickly became known as the avid Taco Lover of Grant County, with some listeners even occasionally bringing tacos to him directly. His popularity soared -- a survey once conducted by WNMU students found that Bill's program had the highest listenership of all local radio stations. Bill continued his DJ career, working with KNFT, and more recently, KNUW, "La Sabrosa".
Bill's love of music didn't stop there. He was also once known as the #1 promoter of musical entertainment in Grant County. He attracted Mexican/Chicano and Tejano talent such as: Ray Camancho, Little Joe, Ruben Ramos, Latin Breed, Jimmy Edwards, Mazz, Freddy Fender, Flaco Jimenez, Emilio, the late Selena; the internationally known Ray Camacho, as well as Mexican artists Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre, Cornelio Reyna, Lalo "El Pipporro" Gonzales, Sparks, Lorenzo Antonio, and many more. Country Music productions included acts such as The Bellamy Brothers, Rick Trevino, Wade Hayes, and BJ Thomas. Along with other awards, in 1984, Bill was the recipient of the "Super Chicano of the Year" award from the El Teatro San Vicente, a local Mexican-American theatrical group, for his desire to promote Mexican and Chicano culture, and for encouraging the exchange of ideas, works, and arts in order to achieve a better understanding between peoples. He also spent unending hours promoting local musical talent, and served as master of ceremonies for numerous cultural events around Grant County. He also served as a judge at the state Hispanic Music Awards event in Albuquerque.
Bill was survived by his wife Della; daughter Yvonne Acosta and fiance, Jason Phillips of Tucson; son Bill Acosta Jr. and fiance, Lisa Bradley of Charlotte NC; daughter Annette Acosta of Silver City; son Eric Acosta Ruiz and companion Kimberly Hunter of Silver City; grandchildren "Mi Baby" Kristin Acosta, "La Preciosa" Camille Bradley, and his newest little love, "Miss" Molly Parra; his Mother Esther Acosta of Silver City; Brother Ronnie Acosta and Wife Charlene of California; Sisters Irene Roybal and Husband Alfred; Isabel Martinez and Husband Pete, and Dorothy Trujillo, all of Silver City.
Also special to Bill were: Mr. M.O. Placencio (his friend and special gardener); Hal Sontag (friend and former co-worker); the staff at DCI, Dr. Laura Davenport-Reed and Johnny Reed PA; Johnny Candelaria, whose never-ending phone calls assured Bill of a kidney, and his many nieces, nephews, friends, and business associates.
He was preceded in death by his Father, brother Pete, and sister Helen.
Casket bearers were: Jim Nanez, Michael Wood, Freddie Roybal, Johnny Candelaria, Hal Sontag, John Lopez, Andy Parra, and Edward Alvo. Honorary bearers were: State Rep. Diane Hamilton, Wanda Garcia, Dan Stokes, M.O. Placencio, Jessie Montes Sr., Jessie Montes Jr., Paul Montes, Jim Foy, Tom Stewart, George Mesa, Eugene Bustillos, Brandon Perrault, Carlos Vasquez, Peter Martinez, Tony Wood, Robert Blea, and his many nieces, nephews, and numerous friends.
Bill, it's time to "hang up the ole microphone!"
He leaves Grant County with a legacy of fun, humor, and the love of music. He will be greatly missed.
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