JUAN "JUANITO" MENDOZA ACOSTA, JR. passed away peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025, in Goodyear, Arizona, at the age of 90. He was born May 23, 1935, and raised in Anthony, NM.

A gifted athlete, Juanito graduated from Gadsden High School in 1954, where he was an All-State selection in both basketball and baseball—an achievement he cherished with great pride and Panther spirit. He was a proud member of the 1954 GHS NM State Championship Baseball team. He went on to play baseball for many years on various teams, from local semi-professional clubs to the U.S. Navy teams during his military service.

Juanito proudly served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1959 and continued his commitment to his fellow veterans as a dedicated member of the Honor Guard for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He worked for the Civil Service at the Commissary Stores at White Sands, NM, and Fort Bliss, TX. After retirement, Juanito enjoyed taking on many projects throughout the valley with his brother Ruben and other family members—always with a generous heart and helping hands. He was a man of deep Catholic faith, which guided his life with quiet strength, humility, and grace.

Juanito is preceded in death by the mother of his children, Irene Martinez Acosta; his beloved wife, Mary Evaro Acosta; his parents, Juan and Dolores Acosta, Sr.; his siblings, Benjamin, Ruben (I)., Herminia (Minnie), Javier, Mary, and Ruben (II), his son, John Richard Acosta; and his granddaughter, Mariee Frances Mena.

He is survived by his sisters Dolores "Lolita" Villescas and Evangelina "Vangie" Pedraza and his children: John Benjamin Acosta (Paty), Isela Mena (Adam), John Daniel Acosta, John David Acosta (Myrna), and their sister Camille Segovia. He is also lovingly remembered by his stepchildren: Konrad Clark, Keith Clark (Bernadette), Pat Fragoso (Art), and Kerstin Clark (Jeff Polzin).

Juanito was a proud grandfather to Steven Mena (Michelle), Mariesa Diaz (Antonio), Jade Acosta (Luka), John Diego Acosta, Anthony Mena, Rikki Acosta, Julisa Segovia, Alejandro Ceja (lhara), David Ochoa, Danny Coogan, Jordan Acosta, Mia Acosta, and David Acosta Jr. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Amelia and Noelle Mena; Kyuss and Khalyla Cruz; John River and Sienna Marie-Lynn Acosta; and Zaylee Grace Mariee Diaz.

He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, extended family, and many friends for his love of music—especially singing—his passion for watching sports, playing golf and his deep devotion to his family and loved ones. Tio Juanito will be dearly missed by all who knew him, especially his many nieces and nephews, who held him in great love and admiration.

Juanito leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, family, and love-a life well lived and a heart that touched so many. His memory will live on in all who were blessed to know him.

Visitation for Mr. Acosta will begin at 6 PM Monday, July 7, 2025, at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road with the Prayer Vigil at 7 PM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 224 Lincoln Street in Anthony. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at The Anthony Community Cemetery where he will be laid to rest. Military honors will be accorded by the United States Navy Honor Guard and the VFW Honor Guard.

Serving as casket bearers will be Steven Mena, John Diego Acosta, Anthony Mena, Rikki Acosta, Danny Coogan, and David Acosta Jr. Honorary bearers are, Kevin Trujillo, Greg Martinez, Jacob Sierra, and Fred Villescas.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church in Anthony.

Tribute Donations are in Honor of

Juan M. Acosta Jr.

May 23,1935-June 20, 2025

U.S. Navy Veteran and Lifetime Member of Gadsden Memorial VFW Post 4384, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Anthony, NM.

Donations will go directly to support VFW Post 4384 Veteran needs in his honor at request of the family in lieu of flowers.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com