José Mario Acosta

Jose M. Acosta, a beloved son, father, brother and friend, passed away on September 1, 2014. It is fitting that he would have passed on a day which celebrated laborers. His entire life was dedicated to helping the poor, disenfranchised, and downtrodden. Having graduated as a Top Ten Senior from the University of Texas at El Paso with a degree in Political Science, Jose went on to earn a law degree from Georgetown Law School where he focused on Immigration Law. His motivation to excel was guided by his commitment for civil and human rights. His career, which spanned over 40 years, was dedicated to social justice. A brilliant attorney, professor, and talented writer, Jose's life ambition was not wealth, rather it was to make a difference-- to serve as a voice for those who had none. Jose's life is to be celebrated. A man, who laughed, joked and loved. His love of music and literature was based on thoughtful reflection of the message and appreciation of the talent. John Lennon, The Beatles, Carlos Santana and Bob Marley peppered his shelves alongside of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Rudolfo Anaya and Paulo Freire. Together they infused his life with profound meaning. His love of law and writing lives on with his two children. Son Arel earned his Law Degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School and daughter Maya earned a Master's Degree in Creative Writing from the University of Edinburg, Scotland. Illness did not stop Jose's zest for life and love of independence -- a value he embraced to the end. Jose is survived by his mother Amalia Acosta, his children Arel Acosta and Maya Castille-Caldwell, his siblings Everardo Acosta, Arturo Acosta and wife Susana, Manuel Acosta and partner Ceci, Dr. Sylvia Acosta and husband Dr. Joe Graham, and Nellie Acosta and husband Carlos McGinnis as well as his grandchild Diego Carlos Acosta. Jose is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held 5 – 9 pm Friday, September 5, 2014 at Hillcrest Funeral Home-Carolina with a Eulogy at 7 pm. Funeral Service will be held at 10 am Saturday, September 6, 2014 at Hillcrest Funeral Home-Carolina. Services under the direction of HILLCREST FUNERAL HOME-Carolina, 1060 Carolina, 598-3332.