December 1, 2016On the 1st of December, the Lord called his son, Phillip R. Acosta to be with him, eternally. He will be reunited with his wife of 48 years, Delia C. Acosta, son, Phillip Raul, mother, Josefina Cruz, and father, José Acosta. He is survived by his two children, Susana Elia and Carlos Lázaro, and his adoring granddaughters, Daniela Raquel Perales and Ariana Elyse Acosta, whom he nicknamed Sunshine and Twinkle Toes, respectively. He also leaves behind his half-sister JoAnn Acosta and half-brother Jesse Acosta. Phillip Raúl Acosta was born on May 26, 1934, in San Antonio.He was baptized at San Fernando Cathedral, attended San Fernando Elementary School, and graduated from Central Catholic High School. Soon after, he joined the U.S. Army, became a cryptographer, and traveled to locations such as New York and Hawaii. Once his service was completed, Phillip attended and graduated from St. Mary's University, where he majored in History and minored in English. As a professional, Phillip taught English at John Marshall High School in the Northside Independent School District in the late 1960s.Once he earned his Master's degree in American History from St. Mary's, Phillip concentrated his career toward helping underprivileged neighborhoods, particularly in the Westside of San Antonio. In the 1960s Phillip worked as a case worker for community organizations such as House of Neighborly Services and Project Stay. As a young Chicano inspired by the movement, Phillip volunteered in family assistance programs in low income areas through organization such as the Mexican-American Unity Council. He repeatedly participated in protests and marches against the outsourcing of Westside factory jobs, particularly Levi's Jeans and other companies. Another one of his passions of that time was speaking out for and protesting alongside migrant farm workers through the César Chávez movement. He volunteered his time educating students of Crystal City, Texas, during their Chicano-led strike against the unfair treatment of Mexican-Americans, particularly the youth of that city. Phillip took part in job placement programs for parishioners at St. Timothy's Catholic Church. He also took part in voting rights drives and participated in programs such as the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and Communities for Public Service (COPS).In the 1980s Phillip was a member of the Bexar County Historical Commission. From the 1970s-2014 Phillip was a History Professor for the Alamo Community Colleges, namely San Antonio College, teaching nights and weekends. Often, he would tutor his students at his home or a café, preferably, Jim's Restaurant. Throughout the 1980s-2000s, Phillip worked for the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) as a truant officer.As a husband and father, Phillip was dedicated and loving, working two jobs to provide for his family. He and his wife were involved in their children's education and activities. He volunteered to feed service members during holidays and helped with food, clothing, and toy 'drives' for those in need. He was also always willing to provide for the care of family members in need of assistance. He will be remembered for his wonderful advice, political, cinema, music and sports knowledge, and his love for his children and grandchildren. His close friends will have remembered Phillip for his generous heart, his wonderful gifts, and his devotion to those less privileged. He will be sorely missed and loved forever. His life will be an example for those to follow.Thank you Phillip Raúl Acosta for being our father, mentor, and guide.FUNERAL SERVICESFamily and friends interested in celebrating his life are welcome to join us at the following services:Rosary: Monday, December 12th at 7pm at the Angelus Funeral Home, 1119 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78215.Funeral Mass: Tuesday, December 13th at 10am at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 1515 Saltillo St, San Antonio, TX 78207.Inurnment: will be held at Resurrection Cemetery at Cordi Marian, 11624 Old Farm to Market West (Culebra Road). Condolences may be sent to the Acosta family through donating to cancer research societies.Condolences may be sent to the Acosta family at www.theangelusfuneralhome.com Arrangements by: