Nelson Juan Acosta

1939 - 2016

Nelson Juan Acosta passed away with his family by his side on Monday, March 7th, 2016. He was 77 years old. Nelson was born on July 12, 1939 in Camagüey, Cuba to Maria and Astur Acosta who preceded him in death. Nelson is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Ela Acosta, who cared for him with unfaltering love in both sickness and in health. Nelson is also survived by his daughter, Amy Acosta-Fischer, his son-in-law Daniel Fischer, and his grandchildren Sara and Ethan Fischer, whom he loved dearly. He loved being with his family and they loved being with him.

Nelson’s gentle nature, his warm and joyful laugh, his soft smile, and his quiet devotion, will be qualities remembered by all who knew him. He enjoyed watching baseball, tending his garden, bird watching, fishing and cooking for his family. As a young boy, 8 years old, Nelson immigrated to the United States with his family. He attended a Jesuit school in New York City and was an avid Brooklyn Dodgers fan. He fell in love with Ela as a young man and they were married in 1964. They moved to Texas in 1970 and Nelson took pride in being a Texan. He loved the Houston Astros and enjoyed taking long drives to see the Texas bluebonnets.

Nelson loved his family very much. He was most at home when surrounded by his family and friends, quietly smiling, not one to be in the spotlight, but always by their side.

In his final years, he was diagnosed with Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD). Although he endured great physical struggle, he always showed tremendous patience, a deep faith, and perseverance through pain. Nelson never complained throughout his courageous battle with this illness, and was always grateful for each moment he had with his loved ones. Nelson was a faithful man who rests in peace and lives eternally through the grace of God. He will be missed dearly.

A funeral mass honoring Nelson’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 2nd at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church of Alexandria, 10503 Westheimer Rd., Houston TX 77042.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests, with gratitude, that memorial contributions in Nelson’s name be directed to his favorite charity: St Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org).

Arrangements under the direction of Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services, Houston, TX.