Clemente Acosta ONEONTA - Clemente Acosta, 87, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2013, at The Palatine Nursing Home in Canajoharie. Clem was born on Dec. 23, 1925, in Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico. He was the son of the late Ramon and Ana (Martinez) Acosta. He married Mary Kichura on Dec. 23, 1982. As a young man in Puerto Rico, Clem tuned pianos. When he moved to New York, he joined the Merchant Marine, sailing with the U.S. Coast Guard from 1945 to 1961. Clem was a member of the National Maritime Union of America. He also worked for a glove-making business in Gloversville, was a cutter for the Oneonta Dress Co., and retired as a glazier (glass cutter and fitter) for Burnham Holdings Inc. in Irvington. Everyone who knew Clem loved his quick and sharp wit, which he had until the very end. One could always find Clem outside tinkering with his tractors or any kind of engine. He also enjoyed watching western movies with his dogs by his side. Besides his children, one of Clem's greatest accomplishments was building his own home with his wife, Mary of over 30 years. He was happiest with family and grandchildren surrounding him, and his love and sense of humor will be greatly missed. Clemente is survived by his loving wife, Mary Acosta, Canajoharie; his two sons, Luis (Veronica) Acosta, Orono, Minn., and Dr. Edwin (Bonnie) Acosta, Elmira; as well as his four stepdaughters, Olga Cwikla, Wasilla, Alaska, Nancy (Paul) Cianflone, Ontario, Canada, Kathy Cox, Oneonta, and Veronika Kichura, Oneonta; his brother, Gilberto (Diony) Acosta, Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico; sister-in-law, Martha Kowalczyk; and brother-in-law, John Chacho. Clem has 11 grandchildren, Taylor, Taryn, Dax Acosta; Ashley, Evin, Schuyler Acosta; Renee Cwikla; Joseph, Nicholas, Celeste Cianflone, Michael Connor Piercy; one great-grandchild, Andrew Ingraham; and several nieces and nephews. Clem was preceded in death by his parents, Ana (Martinez) Acosta and Ramon Acosta; brothers, Miguel Acosta, Enrique Acosta and Jose Ramon Acosta (Muncho); sister, Librada (Marie) Acosta-Osborne; one daughter, Ana Liza Acosta; and two sons, Nelson and Victor Acosta. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand St., Oneonta. Calling hours will be from 5 to7 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2013.