A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, David Anthony Navarro, Sr. created a legacy of kindness, strength, and service. Whether he was defending our country in Vietnam or serving up a plate of the best homemade pancakes, David exemplified the meaning of love through action.
Born and raised in San Fernando, California, David first met his wife Gloria when they attended middle school in 1963, and by June 1967, David enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Company C 1st Engineer Battalion. While at home on leave in 1968, David reunited with his middle school pal and the two married on May 31, 1969. He continued serving in the Army until June 1970 and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal with Valor.
In the years following his service in the Army, David began his career at Pacific Bell in Southern California. He and Gloria had three sons and eventually relocated to Carson City, Nevada in 1978 where he continued his work through Nevada Bell. After 30 years of service at Pacific/Nevada Bell, he spent another five years at Conway Communications before deciding he was truly ready to retire.
Although he may have retired from his day job, David remained engaged in his community as he served on various volunteer committees and supported Carson City Pop Warner Football and Carson City Little League as a team manager, coach, and umpire. His best role on the sports field was cheering on his grandchildren and handing out treats from “Papa’s Snack Sack”. This avid sports fan also enjoyed bowling, golf, and rooting for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Rams, and USC football. In addition to sports, he was involved at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church as a eucharistic minister. The decorated Vietnam Veteran was also an active member of Point Man Ministries and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 388.
David was surrounded by loved ones when he transitioned to his heavenly home at age 75. He is preceded in death by his son Desi Navarro, parents Julio and Jennie Navarro, and brother Lonnie Navarro.
He is survived by his loving wife Gloria, sons David Navarro, Jr. (Adrienne) and Dominic Navarro (Abigail), daughter-in-law Tammy Navarro (Desi), grandsons Kyle Navarro, Riley Navarro, Travis Navarro, Jackson Navarro, and Maxwell Navarro, and granddaughter Masyn Navarro, sisters Theresa Navarro and Anna (Navarro) Fleischmann, as well as numerous loving relatives.
Services will be held in Carson City, Nevada on Sunday, October 13th at 1:00 p.m. at Lone Mountain Cemetery with a reception and celebration of life following at 2:30 p.m. at Fuji Park Exhibit Hall.