Richard Navarro

Richard Navarro passed away on July 1, 2020 at home in New Orleans after a long battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of Carey Watters Navarro. He was a devoted father to his son Timothy Jordan Navarro (Becky) of Austin, Texas and adored his three grandchildren Pearl, Simon and Goldie. He is also survived by his mother, Mary Brown Welch of Dayton, Ohio; his sister Eve Louise Navarro (Kim) of Dayton, Ohio; and three brothers: Mark Edward Navarro (Susan) of San Antonio, Texas, Herbert Ramon Navarro (Shirley) of Flagstaff, Arizona and Christopher Joseph Navarro (Lynne) of Casper, Wyoming; as well as eight nieces and nephews.

Rick was born in San Antonio, Texas on July 19, 1951 and was the eldest of five children. He graduated from Wayne High School in Dayton, Ohio. He attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering. He served his country in the U.S. Navy as a P3 Maritime Patrol pilot, a flight instructor, and flew in the Naval Reserves, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Rick spent the remainder of his career as a commercial airline pilot for Delta Airlines becoming an international Captain. An avid reader, Rick possessed an innate curiosity and was conversant on a wide range of subjects. He was the man who could fix anything and was generous in spirit and with his time helping others. Rick was cool under pressure, had a playful sense of humor and was deeply loyal to his family and friends. His enthusiasm for playing and watching tennis was notable every time he got on the court or attended a match. He was an accomplished sailor, competing in many long distance races, and he had a passion for sailing, working on boats and being on the water. He was a member of Southern Yacht Club and Le Krewe d’Etat. After Hurricane Katrina, Rick and Carey embarked on the adventure of sailing and living on their classic yawl, Memory. For four years they cruised through the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and the eastern Caribbean islands making friends along the way and embracing a different lifestyle. His summers were spent with family and friends on Swan’s Island, Maine, a special place dear to his heart, and in winter months he and Carey lived on their boat in Islamorada, Florida. Due to current circumstances, a celebration of life will be held at a future date. Memorial contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center.

The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com