Barry Leslie Acquistapace was born on Nov. 30, 1956, in Santa Barbara, and grew up in Goleta.

He is remembered by many of the 35 kids who grew up with him on Momouth Avenue. He was the first team pick for baseball in the street games; a reliable contributor to competitive hide-and-go-seek games that involved climbing on roofs and in trees; and good company for racing go-karts in the street and flying model airplanes at La Patera Elementary School.

On lazy summer days he joined day-long Monopoly games and outings to El Capitan State Beach.

Barry was a strong student and decided to focus on baseball and football in high school. He excelled as Dos Pueblos High School’s pitcher and was voted Outstanding Offensive Lineman. He earned honors as a member of the 1st Team All Channel League in both sports.

Barry was one of just four athletes in the Goleta Valley in his senior year to be selected for the Prep All-American Football Yearbook.

After graduation from Dos Pueblos, he pitched for Santa Barbara City College, then went on to serve as a staff member and personal trainer at private gyms for many years. He was an accomplished body builder and did some modeling.

In his late 50s, he unfortunately encountered health issues and became homeless for a few years. He held his chin up; kept the car in which he slept in good shape to avoid attracting attention; refused financial assistance from his friends; and continued to stay fit with hard work in the gym.

He eventually found comfortable subsidized housing at the Garden Court retirement community in Santa Barbara — a big thank you to our fellow citizens who contribute through their votes and taxes to the public assistance programs that gave Barry a warm bed and safe place to stay later in life.

Barry succumbed to lymphoma on Dec. 18, 2024, after a six-month battle that he fought with the kind support of the Serenity House hospice staff.

Barry was pre-deceased by his father John and his mother Carol. He is survived by his brother Kenneth.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Serenity House. No services are planned.