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John Navarro,
WWII vet
DAYVILLE — John Navarro, 93, died Jan. 19, 2021, at Westview Health Care Center. John was born Oct. 29, 1927, in Thompson, 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.
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 his return to Thompson, John went to work for a local construction company based in Killingly. 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. 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 80s.
John married Annette Varieur Nov. 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 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. He enjoyed socializing with friends, hosting family gatherings and travelling. His values and work ethic set a wonderful and inspirational example.
John was recently predeceased by his 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 leaves his daughter Suzanne Chartier, his son-in-law Louis and his daughter-in-law Gloria Navarro of Marietta, Ga.; grandchildren Matthew Navarro (Carolyn) of Park City, Utah, Nicholas Navarro (Stephanie) of Marietta, Marybeth Hart (Amber) of Belmar, N.J., and Andrew Chartier (Joshua Leveque) of New Haven; five great-grandsons Carson, Ryan, Brooks and Noah Navarro and Callen Hart; brother Daniel and sister-in-law Beatrice of Pompano Beach, Fla., a sister-in-law Anne Nelson Navarro of Pomfret. The family will hold a private celebration of John’s life at a later date. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St, Putnam.
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