Robert Nave Sr.

The Nave family have been residents of San Rafael for three generations and growing, and Bob was the middle son of William F. and Irene Nave. He is predeceased by his parents, his brother William Jr., and his wife, Doris.

He is survived by his children and their families: Bobby Nave Jr., Edward Nave (Tracy), Lennie Nave (June) and David Nave (Maya); Grandchildren Giovanna (Jacob), Danielle, Zachary, EJ (Laura), Mario, Sean (Melissa), Ryan, Ashley (Jace), Garrett, Allie and Leo; and great-grandchildren Josephina, Hunter and the one on the way. He is also survived by his brother, Richard and countless nieces and nephews.

It was in kindergarten that Bob met the love of his life, Doris. To his last day he kept a photo in his wallet of their graduating class of 5, a photo nearly 90 years old. They were married in 1948 and stayed together for 52 years, until her passing in 2000.

Bob attended St. Raphael’s School and graduated from San Rafael High School. After graduation, Bob served in the United States Army in the 11th Airborne Division in the South Pacific. When he returned home, he joined the family business with his brothers and his father. His family legacy includes Redwood Empire Music Co., Nave Shopping Center, Nave Lanes Bowling Alley and to end his personal career, Nave Enterprises. In his final years, Lennie would drop him off at work in what felt like a role-reversal, and Bob would never retire. He worked until his very last days and cared deeply for the family business.

Bob and his brothers William Jr. and Richard were well known for their antics around town; they were creative, and the life of any party.

The stories are endless but highlights include: the tank driven by three dictators featured on the front page of Highway Patrol Magazine, the Martian landing via Helicopter, Vino the Wino-souras crashing a golf tournament, the Western Weekend Parade reenactment of Custer’s Last Stand and several benefits featuring the “Dolly Sisters”.

Bob was also the Commander of the famous Nave Patrola Comedy Drill Team for 50 years, and together they marched in Parades all over California and Nevada, and were awarded countless first place trophies.

He loved gardening, a skill passed down from his grandfather. When his grandfather arrived from Italy, he started the first Nave family business, Nave’s Cabbage Patch. By covered wagon, he would deliver vegetables all over the bay. This love of both the earth and entrepreneurship can still be seen in the current generation.

He was a faithful 49er fan, and he and Doris would go to many of their games; this wasn’t his preference but his way of making up to Doris for all the hunting trips.

If there was one hobby he loved most of all, it was hunting. He was an expert marksman and game chef, and the Nave home is filled with trophies from his time in the wilderness. He passed on this love and respect for the outdoors to his children, and taught them survival skills they value to this day.

Bob was the glue that held the family together and was responsible for most of the family gatherings. Father’s Day celebrations were legendary, and memories of large family Christmas dinners will be treasured memories.

The sons of Bob Nave Sr. want to thank the community for their outpouring of love for their father. He will be missed, but the memories of him will live on. They know that Bob and Doris are up there together, having a cocktail with friends and dancing to the Beer Barrel Polka.