Obituary of Jorge Alberto Acosta Del Cid

JORGE ALBERTO ACOSTA DEL CID

Jorge transitioned to eternal life earlier this week just as he wanted, surrounded by his loving family in their home in Branford, CT. He will be remembered by everyone he touched for his quick wit and loving sense of humor.  All who knew him were familiar with his unashamed and deep love for his family.  So many strangers have approached us to share stories of his empathy, giving spirit, and quiet acceptance of humanity.

Jorge will live forever in the hearts of his mother, Ester and his steadfast father-figure Humberto; his sisters, Rosa of Milano, Italy, Marcia of Nevada, and Celia of Connecticut.  There is also a bright constellation of aunts and uncles who raised him and care for him deeply: Arely, Carlos, Angela, Estella, and Delmy.  Jorge leaves behind a stellar collection of nieces, nephews, and cousins from California, Nevada, Colorado, Georgia, to Massachusetts, Milano and all the way to Australia.  Comforting and uplifting stories are sustaining a motley collection of friends from all walks of his life, particularly in his beloved Bean Town, Boston.

Jorge joins his maternal Grandmother Rosa, his brother Dennis, and his uncle Merlyn at the Lord’s table.  We rejoice for their reunion.  He was also pre-deceased by his great grandmother, Mama Maria, and his birth Father, Adalberto.

He lived many lifetimes in his 58 years.  He earned a living as a shoemaker by training, then as a factory worker and most recently as a cook.

Jorge endured a burdened life. He survived extreme hardship as a child; losing an eye as a little boy due to an accident when he was delivering liquid-propane; which he didn’t tell anyone until many years later.  He fought many wars, quite literal as a youth, narrowly escaping a massacre early in the Salvadorean civil war; walked through the desert to safety as a young man, and fought openly the metaphorical war in his premature old age. But Jorge preferred not to revisit those narrow escapes. and focused on his passion for the Soccer World Cup, his beloved basketball teams, and a not-so-quiet love for the Price is Right.  He also loved to walk.

In all weather. And he walked everywhere.  Even in his last days, he’d give it his all just to step out to the front stoop to bask with the sun in his face and the breeze in his hair.

Jorge rarely spoke up for or of himself; often belittling his own hardships while advocating from a deep-rooted sense of justice for those around him.  Jorge struggled with addiction to alcohol and lost important parts of life to it even as he fought valiantly for so many years.; and as he supported others in their own battles, particularly in the latter part of his life.  We encourage families facing addiction to find support; not just for the ill, but for all those who love and surround them.

Jorge’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the health-care professionals at Upham’s Elder Service Plan (PACE), the Boston Homeless Program, and Boston Medical Center for their care, commitment, and ever meaningful friendship for Jorge.  Thank you Dr. Burrows.

We acknowledge the support our family received from CT Hospice. Most importantly, we would not have the fortitude to honor Jorge without the unending generosity and support of Rev. Gracen and the amazing community of Trinity Episcopal Church in Branford.  Blessings are real.  True love abides there.

The family has planned visitation on Thursday August 15, 2019 at Clancy-Palumbo in East Haven, CT from 3pm-5pm. Jorge’s funeral services are planned at 11:00 am on Friday August 16, 2019 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1109 Main Street, Branford CT.

If you are moved to a gesture of care, in lieu of flowers, Jorge’s family would encourage a good range of humble or proud donations to the PACE Program in Boston or to the Children and Family Program at Trinity Episcopal Church in Branford.  Or as you might be aware, to any homeless outreach program in your local bubbles.  Be kind to one another.