Gerald J. Acosta, known as Cass, passed away on November 19, 2023, at the age of 78. He and his twin sister Mona were born on November 14, 1945, to Jenora and Ivan Acosta in Thibodaux, Louisiana.

The family later moved to Monroe, Louisiana where he graduated from Neville High School. As a junior at Neville high the marching band he was a part of played for President JFK's inauguration. He spent a short time at Northeast Louisiana College until he decided to travel and play music. Thats when he found the famous Bossier Strip. He moved to Shreveport in 1965 and began playing the trumpet in local bands but changed to keys as the big band era was ending. He played at the Ramada Inn Lounge for twelve years. In 1985 he devoted his life to The American Federation of Musicians. The rights of musicians were very important to him, especially as president of the local union for 17 years. He then accepted a position as an auditor and consultant for the national AFM, covering the Southeast region that included 15 states plus Puerto Rico. In 2016 the Cass Acosta Scholarship Award was given, in his honor, for one high school senior annually. When he retired in 2019, Gerald received the Lifetime Commitment Award from the American Federation of Musicians.

Gerald is survived by his sons Chris and Debbie Acosta and Mark Acosta, his grandchildren Christopher and fiancé Megan and Ansley Acosta, Brother-in-law Jessie Oliver and son Kevin, ex-wife Elaine Walker, and the countless members of musicians and supporters during his lifetime of playing music. Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, Jenora and Ivan Acosta, and twin sister Mona.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you go to a local live music venue and tip the band. Thank you for joining us in celebrating the life of Gerald (Cass) Acosta.