In Memoriam: Mariano Acosta

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Mariano A. Acosta (Glendale Heights, Illinois), who passed away on December 13, 2019, leaving behind a devoted family and many friends in the chess community.

A long time Chicago master, Mariano was known as a tactical player who was always ready to play fighting chess. He was also very active in the Chicago Industrial Chess League, playing for the St. Charles Chess Club.

His last published rating was 2200 after playing in the 2019 US Amateur Team - North held at the Regency Hyatt on Golf Road in Schaumburg.

I, Scott Allsbrook, played in this last event with him along with Pieter DeHaseth, James Ellis, and Richard Solberg on a team called the Rathskeller Revival. We won the Senior Prize.

Altogether I have played on the same USAT North team with Mariano in years 2019, 2018, 2017, 2014, 2013, and 2012. In 2012 our team (X-Men) came in first place. 

In 2017 and in 2019, our team (Rathskeller Revival) tied for first Senior Prize.  In all years except 2019, our team included Dmitri Sergatskov who was very helpful when we won first prize in 2012.

Well liked by everyone, he will be missed by the chess community.

Scott Allsbrook