Phillip Joseph Acampora

Phillip Joseph Acampora, 66, of La Paz, Baja Calif. passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2004, in La Jolla, Calif.

Phillip was born Sept. 26, 1937, in Los Angeles to Joe and Goldie Acampora. He grew up with his five siblings, Jeanette, Terry, Marie, Bobby and Nina. His family of brothers and sisters have continued to become stronger and closer through life's ups and downs.

Phil grew up in the Los Angeles county area. As a young man he began working with his brothers and sister in the magazine business, traveling around the country. At the age of 19, Phil married Judy Dunkin. They had three children, Joey, Dayna and Darren. The family lived in Burbank, Calif. until 1972, when they moved up to the small coastal town of Cambria. Phil worked as the advertising manager for a local radio station in San Luis Obispo for several years. In 1978, he went into business for himself and started an advertising paper called "Easy Ad" located in San Luis Obispo. The paper was a success and 25 years later continues to be in circulation. Phil lived in Squire Canyon near Avila Beach, where he loved to take his boat out deep-sea fishing with friends and family. In 1994, Phil retired and moved to Baja, Calif. where the sun was hot, the beers were sometimes cold and the fishing was great. He was in heaven, a dream come true. Phil, now known as "Felipe," spent his days doing exactly what he wanted, often spreading out his arms and shouting, "Love this country!" His main casa was in La Paz, a bay-side city on the Sea of Cortez, where the nearby islands provided great diving and fishing spots. The city was also known for it's great sunsets, nightlife and Senoritas. Felipe also spent a great deal of time in a small fishing camp called Buena Vista. There he loved life, riding his quad motorcycle on endless white beaches for as far as the eye could see, snorkeling in God's most beautiful blue warm

water and was always in awe of the wildlife he shared this place of paradise with. Felipe was the life of the party. He loved to grab the microphone and belt out his favorite song, "Hey Baby, Que Paso?" as well as many others. Card games and dice were a big part of the day with all of his friends. His family and friends were his most important part of his life. Felipe was a caring and generous man, loved by so many people. As Frank Sinatra once sang, "I Did it My Way," this could not better describe this most unique person. He was a father, brother and friend.

"I pray that I may live to fish until my dying day; and when it comes to my last cast I then most humbly pray, when in the lord's great landing net and peacefully asleep, that in His mercy I be judged, big enough to keep."

Phil is survived by his sons, Joey Acampora of Orcutt, Calif. and Darren Acampora of Escondido, Calif.; daughter Dayna Sharp of Paso Robles; seven grandchildren, Jeffery, and Tyler Sharp, Brittany, Katie and Brandon Acampora, Mitchell and Gregory Acampora; brother Terry Acampora; and three sisters, Jeanette Renzy, Marie Blosdale and Nina Sims.