Michael (Mike) Joseph Acuña, age 46, passed away surrounded by family and friends on Friday, February 12, 2010, at Seton Northwest Hospital in Austin following a lengthy illness.

A rosary for Mike will be said at 7 p.m., Monday, February 15, at the Davis-Morris Funeral Home Chapel.  A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 16, at St. Mary’s Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1103 Main Avenue, in Brownwood.

Born January 6, 1964, Michael graduated from Brownwood High School in 1982.  He attended the University of Texas at Austin where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1987.  It was at that time Mike began a distinguished career at the University, including work in the Spanish and Portuguese Department and the Office of the Provost.  Over the course of two decades, Mike touched the lives of many, including UT students who were inspired by his energy and spirit.

Sharing his parents’ value on the importance of education, Michael continued his postsecondary studies culminating in 2004 with a Masters degree in Spanish Literature from the University of California at Santa Barbara. He had been working toward his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at the time of his death.

Michael enjoyed travelling, especially to Spain and South American countries where he was able to fully embrace the Spanish language and culture. In 2004, he translated an entire opera allowing it to be later performed in Spanish by the UT Opera Theater.  Beyond his work and academics, Mike truly loved spending time with family and friends, sharing a meal and stories, and finding something to smile or laugh about.

Mike is survived by his parents, Mary and Jessie, and his brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Kate, and three nieces, Grace, Caroline and Emily.  In addition, he leaves behind an extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and very close friends who cared for him deeply.  Mike’s presence and spirit will be missed.