John Navarro

1927 – 2021

Dayville – John Navarro, age 93, passed away at Westview Health Care Center on January 19, 2021. John was born in Thompson, CT on October 29,1927 to Giovanna and Sabado Navarro. He attended Thompson Public Schools and continued his education in the carpentry trade at Harvard H. Ellis Technical School when it was in Putnam, CT.

Immediately after receiving his completion certificate John enlisted in the Navy, serving in the Pacific Ocean aboard the aircraft carrier USS Tarawa. He was honorably discharged in July of 1946. Upon returning home to Thompson, John went to work for a local construction company based in Killingly, CT. There an amazing friendship and partnership was born.

John and his friend and fellow carpenter, John Keenan, joined together and formed the contracting business of Keenan and Navarro Builders, a successful business lasting more than 50 years. Over that time, countless homes, businesses, and larger projects were built by these popular contractors. John was active in town affairs, serving on several boards, authorities and committees. He last served on the Permanent Building Commission while in his late 80’s.

John married Annette Varieur on 11/27/1947. In November 2020, they marked their 73rd wedding anniversary. They lived in the Attawaugan section of Killingly until 1970, moving to Danielson and finally to Alexander’s Lake in Dayville. John never really retired. After dissolving the business, he continued to be involved in construction as a consultant, helping friends and family with design, ideas and advice.

John was recently predeceased by his beloved wife Annette, and in 2016, by his son Michael. He was also predeceased by his brothers Rocco, Joseph, Anthony, David, Salvatore, Angelo, Raymond, and Edward Navarro and his sister Lena Deotte.
He is survived by his daughter Suzanne Chartier, his son-in-law Louis and his daughter-in-law Gloria Navarro of Marietta, GA. He, ‘Papa’, leaves his grandchildren Matthew Navarro (Carolyn) of Park City, UT, Nicholas Navarro (Stephanie) of Marietta, GA, Marybeth Hart (Amber) of Belmar, NJ and Andrew Chartier (Joshua Leveque) of New Haven, CT. He also leaves his five great grandsons Carson, Ryan, Brooks and Noah Navarro and Callen Hart. He leaves his brother Daniel and sister-in-law Beatrice of Pompano Beach, FL, a sister-in-law Anne Nelson Navarro of Pomfret, CT. and many nieces and nephews.

John was a member of the Elks in Danielson. He was huge New England Patriots fan. He liked dining out. A Friday night at The Place Restaurant in Brooklyn would often find him singing and/or playing the spoons. He will be remembered for his July 4th fireworks displays at Alexander’s Lake in Dayville. He enjoyed socializing with friends, hosting family gatherings and travelling. He loved watching his grandchildren in their athletic games and theatrical performances. His tremendous generosity was only surpassed by his love for his family. His values and work ethic set a wonderful and inspirational example, especially to his grandchildren who dearly loved and admired their ‘Papa’.
The family would like to thank Doctors Nita and Arabinda Chatterjee for their enduring friendship and care, and to also express our gratitude for the excellent care the nurses and staff at Westview provided.

Due to the pandemic no immediate funeral arrangements are planned. The family will hold a private celebration of John’s life at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St, Putnam, CT 06260. For memorial guestbook, visit www.GilmanandValade.com.