Frank Navarro

Daddy has been called home … Survived by his wife of 60 plus years, our beautiful mother Luz Helene, his daughters Valerie, Charisse & Veronica, grandchildren Frankie, Lynsey, Samantha and Joshua, siblings Barbara, Arlene, Deborah and Melody as well as an extensively large and extremely loving family. Our father was a prankster and loved life. He loved playing jokes and just making you laugh. Of all the important lessons daddy taught us, what sticks out the most is "Not everyone is like us, so stop expecting them to be and just continue being who you are…" And that is what he did. Despite whatever was going on in his life daddy tried to make sure everyone was safe, happy, and laughing. We have cousins who feel more like brother and sisters because they lived with us at a time of need which brought us even closer. If it was a ride, a place to stay, a kind word, sincere advice or raising his grandson… He was there for anyone who needed it. Such a loving and giving soul that we hope to mirror. Daddy is the first man we fell in love with. Our very first best friend. We feel blessed to have had our father for as long as we had him and we want to thank you daddy for being there as our hero, our strong man… Dad's love story runs deep. Very West Side Story-ish… Raised in Spanish Harlem, at a very young age, mom's best friend, our beloved aunt China introduced them, and they have been together ever since. Never being apart. 60 plus years later, age showed its cruelty, and they were separated by health. Mom was in the hospital and dad was in rehab on his deathbed. We were told he should not still be here. That for some reason he is hanging on to something. Dad could no longer communicate but knowing he could hear us, we begged daddy to please let go and let the angels take him to his big brother uncle Jay and his mother, Grandma Catherine. We told him of all the loved ones that would be waiting, his sister Sandra, his brother Ronnie. But he could not let go. We asked "Daddy what do you need?" and with all the air he could muster he said "MA" … He wanted his wife, his best friend. They were as one… Daddy hung on as long as he could. We tried so hard to bring them together. Mom was in the hospital battling her own illnesses. We tried and tried and were finally able to arrange that phone call. Daddy heard her voice professing her love for him over and over, and through tears asked him to please rest now… And at that very moment, that's just what he did. Our hero is gone… Every beam of joy suddenly turned into shadows of darkness when he left. While you rest with the Almighty, rest assured that every passing day, we will miss you forever, you will forever be our hero. Rest in peace Daddy. We love you… The amazing memories we have of our father are so huge. Please share those wonderful stories you have of Uncle Frankie, Papa, Frank, Mr. Navarro - as we know there are plenty.