Joe "Canasta" Acosta

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our family’s patriarch, Joe "Canasta" Angel Riojas Acosta, at the age of 91. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones on Sunday, June 11, 2023.

While we are deeply saddened by our father’s passing, we find comfort in the fact that he is no longer in pain. He has joined our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ along with his beloved wife, Esther Acosta, his sister, Georgia Riojas Esquivel, his parents Margarita Riojas Acosta and Vicente Acosta, and his grandparents Gregorio and Macedonia Riojas.

Joe was born on April 13, 1932 in Lockhart Texas. He moved to Austin at a young age where he would meet the love of his life, Esther Torres. They were married on June 28, 1950 and had four children. They raised their family in South Austin and were longtime members of San Jose Catholic Church. Every year, their home was the hub of large family gatherings for every holiday, baseball and football game; especially his beloved Longhorns.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Joe. From the age of 18, Joe could always be found at the baseball fields playing ball. He played so well that he became widely known by his nickname “Canasta” and he would frequently be recognized on the street by old teammates and friends to reminisce about their good old baseball days. Joe received many trophies which he proudly displayed at home. One of his greatest achievements was receiving the Softball Hall of Honor award in 2021 from the Pan American Softball Association. But most importantly, Joe passed on his love of the game to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He strived to attend as many of their games as possible and nothing made him prouder.

Joe was also well known for his passion for classic Chevrolet cars; especially his 1962 Impala. His face would light up anytime he was asked about his cars and he would gladly talk about them for hours. Joe was also a hard worker with a strong work ethic. He worked for Economy Furniture in Austin and retired after 50+ years.

Joe will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. His grandchildren will miss his sense of humor and his words of wisdom. He is survived by his loving children, Daniel Acosta, Cynthia Castaneda and her husband, Gerald, Evelyn Acosta, Carlos Acosta and his wife, Gloria; 13 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, other caring family members and friends. Joe will be greatly missed by all.

His grandsons and great grandsons will proudly serve as pallbearers: John Michael Castruita, Andy Acosta, Tyler Acosta, Adrian San Juan, Joshua Vance, and Isaak San Juan. His honorary pallbearers will be his granddaughters, Abigail Rodriguez and Isabella Acosta.

The family would like to thank everyone for their continued love and support during this difficult time; especially Dr. Punit Chada with Texas Oncology and the Hospice team for their loving care.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 from 4:00pm-7:00pm with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 7:00pm at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home, 2620 S. Congress Ave., Austin, Texas. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1:00pm on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at San Jose Catholic Church, 2435 Oak Crest Ave., Austin, Texas. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S. IH 35 Feeder Rd., Austin, Texas.