Miguel Acosta

Acosta, Miguel M. Sr. ""Papi"" 83, of Henrico, VA; went to be with the Lord, Monday, January 8, 2018. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Hilda Acosta. Miguel is survived by his son; Miguel Acosta Jr. (Teresa); and 5 grandchildren, Andrew, David, Michael, Lauren and Leigha Acosta. Miguel M. Acosta, Sr. Papi; as he was known to his family, was a remarkable man. As we all grew to know and love him he became, with all respect, Papi to us as well. His life deserves to be celebrated. Throughout it he was brave, faithful and loving. Having lived under the oppression of communism in Cuba he bravely found a way to get his family to freedom in America. In 1967, with the help of his brother and careful planning, he, his wife and young son were air lifted with others out of Cuba to a new home in America. The Cuban government allowed them to leave with the clothes on their backs and nothing else. Arriving in Miami he helped his family adjust to their new country, new language, new customs and new citizenship. Papi loved and respected the U.S. and taught his son to do the same. He and his wife worked hard and made a life for their family. Through those difficult years he remained faithful in his service to his Lord. He was faithful to his church and in his service there. Papi kept a servant's heart in spite of the challenges of life in Cuba and the early years in Miami. Several years ago he and his wife moved to Richmond to be closer to their son and his family. It was here he faced his greatest challenge. Shortly after arriving, his precious wife lost her life in a tragic accident. He had to face a new life without her. Once again he remained faithful to his church, his Lord and his service to others. As the years passed his health declined and medicines, doctors and treatments became necessary. Pain and physical weakness increased and dialysis became part of his life. But he remained a faithful servant. Papi had a passion for God's word. He believed it, he taught it and he lived it. Through Spanish ministries, preaching at the Henrico jail, witnessing to others about the love of Jesus and visiting folks in their homes he encouraged those in need. He was a prayer warrior and if he said he was praying for you or your family member, you knew he did it without ceasing. When he spoke about his family you quickly learned of his deep love, pride and respect for his son, his daughter in law and his grandchildren. He loved his church here and his church family and was not shy about expressing his appreciation for all that was done for him. (Especially food! He really liked eating, mainly sweets.) He enjoyed watching TV, sports and playing dominos. Oh, and that dice game. He'd put his finger to his lips and say,""Shhhh! Miguel does not like it!"" Then he'd laugh. He could be so funny and teasing. Papi was a special light in the lives of so many, it was so easy to love and respect him. On Monday, when the time was just right, this remarkable, brave, faithful and loving man closed his eyes for a moment and when he opened them, he was home. His long trip was over and he had established his final citizenship. Can't you just imagine his joy to be in the presence of his Saviour and his relief to see the smiling face of his precious wife once again? One could say that Papi was air lifted to his new home one last time and he wasn't met by strangers. The family will receive friends from 10 – 11 am, Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at Victory Baptist Church, 6313 Clover Lane, Henrico, VA; where a Funeral Service will be held at 11 am. Interment will be at 12:30 pm at Westhampton Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Victory Baptist Church.