Joseph Manuel Acosta

Joseph Manuel Acosta, resident of Katy, Texas went to his Heavenly Home on August 23, 2022 at age of 91 years old. He was born March 6, 1931 in the Bronx, New York to Jose M. Acosta and Manuela FanFan Acosta. 

Joseph grew up in the Bronx, New York. Following graduation from Machine & Metals Trade school, he started his Military career in 1948 at the age of 17.  Following his training as an Airbourne Ranger, he served in the Korean War from 1950-51.  He remained in the Army until April 18, 1952.  On August 2, 1952 he married Carmen Delia Mangual at St. Margaret’s Parrish in New York.   On January 20, 1962, after serving six years in the Army National Guard, he received a Direct Commission from the President of the United States to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS).  He quickly rose through the ranks in the US. Army becoming an Officer.  He served in the Vietnam War from 1965-66.   He was stationed at Ft. Gulick, Canal Zone, Panama where he taught at the USA School of the Americas.  He is honored in the National Ranger Memorial at Ft. Benning, Georgia.  Joseph received numerous Meritorious Service Medals. Joseph served 26+ years in the US. Army, while raising, with his wife Carmen Delia, their four children. In 1977, Joseph retired from the U.S. Army as a Lt. Colonel.  He and Carmen then retired to Orlando, Florida where he joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.  He worked for Orange County as a Court Deputy before retiring after twenty one years of service.         

Joseph was brilliant, patriotic, loved the army and his country.  He could answer any question regarding the U.S. Military.           

He was a man of great moral conduct. He was a loyal, generous and loving man. He loved music of different genres, but especially loved salsa music. He loved watching Blue Bloods, Mash and Andy Griffith. His favorite foods were empanadas, pernil, cheetos and White Castle hamburgers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Manuela Acosta; infant daughter, Angela; grandson, Jason; his first wife and mother of his children, Delia Acosta; and his second wife, Valerie Parsons Acosta.

He is survived by his children; daughter Carmen (William) and her child Mashika; daughter Cynthia (Paul) and her children Felix and Joseph Robert; son Joseph (Barbara), and his children Joseph Allen and Paul; son Anthony (Dawn) and his children Nicholas, Natalia, Alexander and Ava; as well as numerous great grandchildren.

Joseph will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 9:00 a.m.

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