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Edward Ronald Acosta Obituary San Antonio, TX – Honoring a Legacy of Service, Family, and Community San Antonio, TX — Edward Ronald Acosta, a beloved father, veteran, man of faith, entrepreneur, and generous community leader, passed away on July 1, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. He was 78 years old at the time of his passing. Born on March 1, 1947, in Los Angeles, California, Ron was the cherished son of Gerard Acosta and Ruth Gardea. He lived a full life filled with hard work, dedication to excellence, faith, family, and an unwavering passion to serve others. He was the only boy and fearlessly handled three sisters, Sandra Acosta, Marcia Acosta, and Christine Acosta-Fogarty. Ron was a proud graduate of Garfield High School (where “Stand and Deliver” was filmed) and he was ranked second in the entire state of California for Math. His early brilliance would inevitably lead him to a life of discipline, service, and success. While in high school, Ron also enjoyed being on the tennis team which won city champion, in a competitive and large Los Angeles. From serving in the Navy to launching iconic restaurants like Las Palapas, and from feeding downtown workers to supporting students in need, Ron's legacy has touched countless lives. A Proud Garfield High Bulldog Ron Acosta's journey began at Garfield High School in Los Angeles, where he not only shined academically but developed the discipline that guided him through life. His ranking as second-best in Math statewide was only one of his early accomplishments. He was also accepted into the Los Angeles Fire Department, after passing rigorous tests. Garfield High would remain close to his heart for the rest of his life. In later years, Ron gave back immensely—supporting students, athletes, and cultural programs. Dedicated Military Service In 1966, Ron was drafted into the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Though first selected for elite submarine duty, he opted to become a radioman aboard the USS Oklahoma City after realizing submarine life didn’t suit him- he missed the daily showers! Fortunately, for his dedication to hygiene, his mathematical mind landed him a critical position in the decoding/radio room on the Admirals Ship in the Vietnam conflict. After finishing boot camp in San Diego, he surprised his family at home in Montebello. His sister, Christy, recalled the joy of seeing him at the door in his Navy blues, smiling wide, with a duffel bag on his shoulder. His mother cried with joy—Ron loved to surprise people! From Hot Truck to Restaurant Empire After his Navy service, Ron began with a simple bare-bones hot food truck. He drove it through downtown Los Angeles, making sure to reach workers all over town during their breaks. He was able to secure several large business accounts that were highly sought after and this was the beginning of his restaurant success. In November of 1979, he moved to San Antonio with his wife Gloria Martinez Cuellar and his uncle, Jack Gardea. Together, Ron and Jack opened a small restaurant on S Flores. Shortly after, he opened King Taco on the West Side of San Antonio. This was only the beginning. In 1981, the first Las Palapas opened in Central Park Mall alongside the Fish Net and New York Deli. This was truly a family affair, and all hands were on deck to help get this restaurant off the ground. A small Winchell’s Donuts became the first location outside of the mall. Many of Ron’s longtime employees and respected friends originated from this location and original stomping ground of an establishment. It later moved to the iconic Churchill location across from Churchill High School. From there, Ron, with help from his family, built the Las Palapas restaurant empire. Las Palapas and Beyond By the 35th Anniversary of Las Palapas, Ron had grown Las Palapas into more than ten locations in San Antonio. The restaurant became known for its authentic Mexican food (namely, the Okie Burrito) and heartfelt service. Ron also opened Ruthie’s Mexican Restaurant—named after his mother, Ruth. The famous “Mama Ruth’s Flauta Special” at Las Palapas remains a fan favorite. He sold this location to one of his most loyal and favored cooks. Ron was a “wheeler and dealer,” and found himself investing and helping with the establishments of other successful businesses, namely Max and Louie’s New York Diner and Blue Prime Steakhouse. Giving Through the Jireh Foundation In 2002, alongside his late wife Elssy Esther Acosta, Ron launched the Jireh Foundation. This charitable organization was dedicated to helping widows and children in need. The foundation raised and distributed significant funds to support struggling families. Ron and Elssy expanded the charitable reach of Las Palapas, and Ron’s children later followed his example, forming nonprofits focused on community service. Ron’s Commitment to his Friends, Faith, Fun, and Philanthropy Some of Ron’s favorite past-times included photography, playing golf with his buddies, like Jack Parker, playing with and buying old cars, trying the best new restaurants with Jeanie Leonard, traveling the country (especially visiting his old stomping grounds in East L.A.) and studying the bible with Ron Rivas and Pastor Rudy Ramirez. His favorite scriptures can be remembered and read below. One of his biggest areas of passion was helping others, including strangers. Whether it be someone he helped on the street or making fast friends and offering a helping hand, or a word of encouragement. His impact was felt from East Los Angeles to Central America, to the Middle East, and beyond. To memorialize his commitment to helping those in need and supporting a cause close to his heart, Ron helped establish the Acosta-Gardea Center for Community Resilience located at Ariel University located in the heart of Israel. The center serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaborations, professional trainings, community outreach coordination and the development of innovative tools to enhance the national preparedness and recovery efforts in times of crisis. Ron was raised with a love of God from an early age. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and savior, in 1989. Shortly after, all of his restaurants began to “Close on Sundays for Family and Worship’. Those closest to him, began to see changes he was making in his life, that would eventually lead him to the man we all knew before he passed away. He loved studying the Bible with friends and would regularly send out scriptures of encouragement to his family and loved ones. John 11:25-26, John 3:16 Supporting the Garfield High Community In 2014, Ron established a scholarship program for graduating seniors at Garfield High School. This initiative was designed to help students pursue their academic goals and attend college—many of whom might not have had the opportunity without this support. Ron’s passion for athletics led him to serve as a key benefactor to Garfield's athletic department. He donated vital sports equipment including uniforms, team equipment, ice machines, and sponsored team championship rings. His contributions ensured that the Bulldogs teams had the tools necessary to train and compete at their highest level. The gift of the first mariachi uniforms for Garfield High School helped celebrate the school’s rich cultural heritage and provided students with a sense of pride and identity while performing and representing Garfield in the community to this day. Whenever Garfield faced budget limitations, Ron stepped forward to bridge the gap—consistently supporting projects and programs that lacked funding. His generosity was driven not by recognition, but by a deep and personal connection to the school and a desire to give back to the school that molded his youth. In a tribute to those who served, Ron also played a leading role in helping to establish the first memorial wall at a Los Angeles Unified School. Located on the Garfield campus, this wall honors many service members, which proudly includes Ron’s name as a Vietnam War veteran. It stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance and respect for those who served their country. Beyond his philanthropic efforts, Ron has been honored by the school community in several meaningful ways. He was invited to serve as the honorary team captain for the annual Garfield vs. Roosevelt football game—widely recognized as the largest high school rivalry west of the Mississippi. He was also selected as the keynote speaker at a Garfield High School graduation, where he addressed students with words of inspiration and pride. Honored and Celebrated by His Alma Mater As Garfield High School prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary on September 6, 2025, Mr. Ron Acosta will be formally recognized for his extraordinary generosity and lifelong support. His close friend, and former head football coach, and current athletic director at Garfield- Coach Lorenzo-stated that Ron will be celebrated not just for his gifts, but for his unwavering love and loyalty to Garfield High School community. Beloved Father and Family Man Edward Ronald Acosta is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Elssy Esther Acosta and his beloved sister Marcia Ruiz. He is survived by his loving children Aaron Christopher Acosta, Matthew Christian Acosta, Joshua Ronald Acosta, and Ashlynn Rose Acosta. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Samantha Martinez, Jeremy Acosta, Zachary Acosta, Aliyah Acosta, Serena Acosta, Lucas Acosta, and great-grandchildren Madeline Martinez and Rowan Acosta, and soon-to-be great grandchild Benjamin Martinez. He is survived by his sisters Sandra Acosta and Christine Acosta-Fogarty. Ron’s life was filled with deep love for his family. His legacy of kindness and dedication will live on in all who knew him. Celebrate Ron’s Life with Flowers and Words of Faith To honor Edward Ronald Acosta’s life, you can send flowers to his family through trusted online flower delivery services. His memory will never fade—his love, vision, and strength live on through his family, community, and the many lives he changed. “‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ Numbers 6: 24-26 NIV “The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.” Proverbs 20:7 “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” Jeremiah 17:10 NIV “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8 NIV “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God,, believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:1-3 NIV “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” Psalm 23 KJV

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Edward Ronald Acosta

March 1, 1947 - July 1, 2025