Jose I. Acosta

Jose “Joe” Ines Acosta, 95, of El Paso, Tx, entered into the hands of his Lord on Saturday, November 2, 2024.

Joe was a great storyteller and would often have some kind of story he would tell about his youth or times working for Trolley of El Paso, EP City Lines, SCAT or as an EPISD school bus driver. Some memorable stories from his youth included stealing a burro, running through the cemetery and losing friends trying to get away from someone or something, to jumping on the train and being covered in soot (that story usually ended in a joke about a restaurant downtown. “Meow”). 

Joe graduated from Austin High School where his love for music took hold. He played in a band with some buddies and even in an orchestra or two around different areas of El Paso. Any time music was playing, you could see Joe humming and strumming along on either an air trumpet, guitar, or piano. His love for music can be seen in each person he has ties to. 

Joe joined the Air Force in 1951, where he stayed stateside as a Rescue Firefighter during the Korean War. When his duties with the Air Force were completed, Joe began a short stint as a Golden Glove Boxer. In 1955, Joe married the love of his life, Jean and were blessed with 7 children. “Oh honey!”

Joe is survived by all of his children: Jean “Beth” Newman (Hillie-Deceased), Diana Acosta, Pamela Joy Acosta, Paul Acosta, Joe Acosta (Ondrea “Onnie”), Dirdra Mann (Mitchell), and Michael Acosta. He is also survived by his sisters, Virginia “Veca” Bejerano and Yolanda “Yolie” Moreno. He leaves behind a legacy of 27 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren, 19 great-great grandchildren, and 2 great-great-great grandchildren. As well as countless nieces and nephews. “Gosh O’mighty!”

Joe was predeceased by his wife, Jean, his parents Augustin and Virginia, and sisters Dolores “Lola” Vega, Esperanza “Espy” Acosta Moreno, and Luisa Gutierrez. 

Joe will be greatly missed by many. 

Special thanks to the staff at WBAMC: Dr. Klusewitz, Dr. Lamb, Dr. Hamm, Dr. Shah, RN’s Lorenzo Desantiago, Sophia Bond, Nancy Rodriguez, Angela Moser, and Esai Barrios, Chaplin Moye, and others that sat with Joe when family couldn’t. We truly appreciate your compassion and selfless service you showed him!

Visitation will be from 5:00 - 8:00pm with a Vigil/Rosary to begin at 6:00pm on Monday, November 11, 2024 at Sunset Funeral Home - Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass Dr. Scripture Mass will be held at 8:00am on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at Sunset Funeral Home - Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass Dr. Committal Service to follow at 9:00am on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave.