Gabriel was born and raised in San Diego on March 23, 1949. He passed away unexpectedly on December 4, 2010. He attended schools locally and graduated from San Diego State University where he majored in Political Science. He was an employee of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Organization for 25 years where he worked in various clerical positions. Due to medical issues he retired in 2004. Gabriel was born with spina bifida therefore, was a paraplegic and wheelchair bound. Despite these restrictions, he was a very active and outgoing individual having a knack for striking up conversations with many a stranger and friend. He was an avid reader with a passion for US history, computers, and all things technical He was also knowledgeable and current in world affairs and national as well as international politics. While his physical disability challenged him, he always remained optimistic regarding his ability to reach out to others through conversing and or analyzing new developments in politics that affected us all. Such conversations were always thought provoking and fun. As a person, Gabriel had tremendous empathy and compassion for his fellow man and was especially sensitive to others who had physical challenges. He was quick to speak for such causes as equal access for the physically challenged and was determined and focused until a equitable resolution was established. As a devoted brother, son and member of the Nava clan, his heart was huge. He valued his family , his friends and caretakers especially Rafaela (aka “Nora”) and Connie as blessings in his life.
Gabriel was preceded in death by his father, Gabriel Nava, Sr. and both his maternal and paternal grandparents. He is survived by his mother, Bertha Nava, his sisters, Olivia Nava and Angela Nava, uncles, aunts, many cousins and friends.
Gabriel’s family is devastated by his loss, but maintains comfort in knowing that he is in a better place with our Lord where he can finally walk free of braces, crutches or a wheelchair.
Services for Gabriel will be Friday, December 10, 2010 with a viewing between 5:00-7:00pm at Goodbody Mortuary followed by a rosary 7:00pm. A funeral mass will be held Saturday December 11, 2010 at 10:00 am at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Internment at Holy Cross Cemetery will follow the funeral mass. Reception will follow at the family home.
Arrangements under the direction of Goodbody Mortuary, San Diego, CA.
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