Martin Arnold Acosta (1961–2026)

After a 1½-year battle with Leukemia And Lymphoma, Martin Acosta passed away September 23, 2026 5 days before his 65th birthday. The youngest of 8 children, he is preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Henrietta Acosta; his brothers, Larry, Mark and Roy; and his sisters, Barbara and Patsy. He is survived by siblings Loretta and Timothy; and his partner of nearly 30 years, Harry Roberts.

Martin grew up in Cypress and Hawaiian Gardens; in school he participated in debate and chorale. After serving in the US Navy aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, he had a varied career, which included working at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center’s Heart Catheterization Institute and culminated in working for the Long Beach Public Library 1999–2021.

During his life he enjoyed singing, dancing, listening to music, watching movies, creating art and loving animals—most notable of whom was Bruno, a marvelous cat he and Harry lived with for 12 years. He loved decorating for parties and Christmas. Always a snappy dresser, Martin received compliments on his fashion sense—even amidst the depths of his illness.

Martin’s family wishes to convey their appreciation to everyone at the City of Hope in Duarte—and in particular, Vaibhav Agrawal MD MBA, Katie Sprague RN/NP and Jana Dickter MD. Though Martin’s battle may be over, his medical legacy lives on. Martin actively advanced medical science across five distinct research frontiers:

• IRB 24124 (City of Hope): Advancing haploidentical stem cell transplant conditioning and GVHD prevention protocols.

• IRB 24138 (City of Hope): This study investigates how the gut microbiome impacts cancer recovery and treatment outcomes. Martin generously agreed to multiple optional elements of the research, consenting to provide biological samples and dietary surveys.

• IRB 25007 (City of Hope): This system-wide biorepository banks samples to drive future, unforeseen cancer research. Martin’s medical data and sample can continue helping oncologists find answers for future patients.

• PRESERVE I (NMDP Oncology): Pioneering the use of deceased donor bone marrow for transplants. Martin was one the world’s first twelve people to receive such a donation.

• The Last Gift (UC San Diego): Advancing the global search for an HIV cure through end-of-life tissue donation..

A Celebration of Life is still in the planning stages. Please return to this page for updates.