Wilfred Navarro Jr.

Houston Police Officers lost a brother this week. Wilfred Navarro, Jr, 87, a resident of Houston, passed away from natural causes on August 2, 2016. Mr. Navarro was born in Houston, March 27, 1929, to Wilfred Sr. and Betty Navarro. A childhood resident of Houston’s sixth ward, Wilfred grew up within sight of the Houston Police Department (HPD) Headquarters, located at 61 Riesner St. at the time, where he would go on to serve a lifetime career.

After service in the U.S. Navy, Wilfred began his career with HPD in 1950. Initially serving in the patrol division, Wilfred worked at what was then the new North Shepherd sub-station. His career included a stint at the original HPD community policing center at Ripley House, where he served as “Officer Friendly,” setting off his lifelong community activism before eventually returning to HPD headquarters.

In 1955 Mr. Navarro moved to the newly developed suburban area of Spring Branch. This was a major move for a young man who had grown up in downtown Houston. Wilfred moved “out west” in hopes this would lay a foundation upon which his family could succeed. Wilfred worked tirelessly to support his family in their new home. He worked many an extra job like so many other young officers. The Navarros thrived “out west” active in their church and community. Wilfred and family were even founding members of the newly established St. John Vianney Catholic Church in 1966. In addition to being an active parishioner Wilfred was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Wilfred frequently said that his personal success could be measured by three comforts: a brick house, a swimming pool, and a new car. His brick house on Wycliff was one of the first to have a swimming pool and Wilfred bought his first new car in 1963. He never bought a used car again. By all three measures he succeeded handsomely.

In 1980 Wilfred was appointed Chief of the Houston Airport Police Department by Mayor Jim McConn. He remained in charge of police services at Houston Intercontinental Airport, Hobby Airport and Ellington Field until his retirement in 2000. Chief Navarro dedicated 50 years of public service to the City of Houston. He was actively involved in a number of organizations related to his police career and was instrumental in negotiating the purchase of land on which the Houston Police Officers Union and the Houston Police Federal Credit Union buildings are situated.

The Navarro family can trace their Texas roots to the 1800s. For nearly ninety years the family has lived and prospered in Houston. Wilfred was the last survivor of his generation, preceded in death by his sisters Olga Soliz and Yolanda Rodriguez and his brother Jerry Navarro. He was a touchstone for his family, a steady hand who reached across generations in times of turmoil. As the Navarro family joins the American diaspora, Wilfred’s progeny have spread across the United States, from Texas to Washington and from North Carolina to California and Virginia. Wilfred traveled the world and his children and grandchildren have followed in his footsteps achieving accomplishments that made him very proud. The Navarro family is an American success story because of the foundation laid down over 87 years ago by Wilfred Navarro, Jr.