Reading these beautiful remembrances reinforces my own wonderful memories of Andy, a great teacher and a fine person.

Don’t be sad he’s gone,

Be glad instead we had him long, 

Although his years seem painfully few,

Yet, he lives on in those he knew.

Lenny Cooperman 
Norland, class of  1970

He was an amazing teacher and will be missed. My deepest sympathy to the family.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Navarro family...

Dear Rona and family -- I was deeply saddened when I heard of AJ's passing. He made a big impact on my life as a teacher, a coach and a mentor. He really took an interest in his students and wanted us all to succeed. I probably spent more time with him at speech and debate tournaments than I did with anyone else during high school. I had corresponded with him after graduating and eventually lost touch after getting married. I was happy to get reacquainted with him online a number of years ago. He told me that I was the first of his students to get in touch with him when he joined the online community. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. He could have been my surrogate father.

He was a one-of-a-kind and I know that you will miss him dearly. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your entire family during ths time.

My condolences to the Navarro family. Mr. Navarro was one of those teachers that made a difference in my life. I often remember the Psychology and Sociology classes I was fortunate enough to have had with him.
RIP, Mr. Navarro.
Carlos Lima, Norland class of '78.

To the family of Andrew Navarro,
It is with great sadness that I was made aware of the death of Andrew Navarro, who I always referred to as AJ.  He was my teacher, my mentor and most of all a great friend.  No teacher and very few people in my life had a much impact on my life as he did. I think about him often and I hope in the few correspondences that I had with him over the years I was able to convey my thanks and love for him.
My primary contact with AJ was as his student and member of his first debate teams.  His brilliance, hard work and dedication took a moribund debate program at Miami Norland to one of the best teams in the nation in a few short years.  AJ loved people and had a full range of gifts including organizing, teaching, encouraging and inspiring.  He took a misfit group of studious young men and women and made them into a one of the best speech and debate programs in the state.  More than anything he was the epitome of cool and transferred some of that to each and every one of his speech and debate team members.  I held my head up high in the halls of Miami Norland Senior High being one of AJs guys.
AJ loved high school students and had that easy way of understanding the intellectual and emotional needs of each student.  I remember the discussions about school and politics and world affairs but most of all his advice and guidance on how we could become the people we were destined to become. His debate teams of 1973 – 1976 produced some incredibly successful professionals including lots of attorneys but also business people, educators and scientists.  
There are only a few people you come in contact with in your life that fundamentally change your life for the better in the most sincere way because you know that they love and care for you.  AJ was one of those rare individuals.  The world lost a great teacher and man.

Tom Williams
Miami Norland Senior High 74
Florida State University 77 and 81

So sad to hear that a great person and educator has passed away. My prayers and condolences go out to his family and the many people who shared his love while Mr. Navarro was here with us.

Dear Rona,we are deeply saddened for your loss. Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with you,
 Love, Sheila Prichason

Mr Navarro was one of the best teachers, I will never forget how he inspired everyone. I only wish there were more like him. RIP Mr. N.

Bob Muccino CO 79'

My prayers are with you, the Navarro family.  Looking back some 40 years, Mr. Navarro was one of my all-time favorite teachers.  He made learning fun.  I have nothing but good memories of being in his class, one of the few I enjoyed showing up for!  My world and my thinking was forever changed thanks to this great man.  Thank you, God for sending him to us at such a critical age.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Navarro family during this difficult time.  When we reflect on our life in our old age, we should ponder the legacy that we have left to our family and those that we have interacted with in the past generation.  Mr. Navarro was a teacher, tennis coach, mentor and friend to me during high school and over the past thirty plus years as I went to college, got married and had a son.  He helped shape my life from a social, cultural and political point of view that still lives with me today.  I thank him for that and hope to carry on his legacy for years to come.  Thanks Coach AJ and Godspeed to all those that you touched throughout your days on this Earth.  IHS    Grover IV, Lori & Joshua Salzer

May God bless the Navarro family during this time of mourning. Mr. Navarro was an excellent teacher and coach at Miami Norland and my oldest son, Grover IV was greatly impacted by him who remained a close friend through the past thirty years.

   Andy was like Yosimite Sam with a Golf club but always a good compassionate humor.     I will miss him.     Preston Perdue

Sociology class was so much fun and interesting thanks to Mr. Navarro. 12th grade memories will always be with me thanks to Mr.N. Rest in Peace
Fern Grossman Miller

Rona- I am so sorry for your loss. Andy was a wonderful man and I enjoyed knowing him. Remembering your great love story today and always.

I was so fortunate to have Andy as a sociology teacher during my senior year at Norland.  A few years ago, I was equally as fortunate to reconnect with him in Tallahassee.

Teachers leave lasting impressions on their students; Andy's impressions were always positive. May his legacy live on eternally!

Robin Pollak Behrman, Norland Class of 1971

Me. Navarro was one of my favourite teacher at Norland. He was a positive influence on me and a great friend and listener.

I was so lucky to have Mr. Navarro in 11th grade for Psychology and in 12th grade for Sociology at Miami Norland Sr High.  He was an inspirational teacher who touched many, many lives.  I will always remember the many discussions we had in class that truly made us think about life and our futures.  What an amazing educator.  You will truly be missed.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Janet Ferrante Laiacona, Class of 1982

Coach Navarro was a great and wonderful man. He to me was one of my good teachers while I attended Miami Norland. Coach Navrro would be surely missed by so many. May God give the family strength and courage to stay strong in the time of sorrow.
From;
Cassandra Seymour

Mr. Navarro was the only teacher that actually helped me.  He provided support during a very difficult time.  I will be forever thankful for his kindness.  Rest in peace sweet man.

Mr. Navarro was my teacher at Norland in his early years of teaching. He was a natural, one of the best teachers I've ever had. Being so young himself, he also was a wonderful mentor, because he could relate so well to the student's issues. I just recently told my daughter about him, as she is a high school senior studying sociology. I told her I hope her teacher is even half as good as mine. He will live on through his students. My thoughts go out to his family.

he was an awesome teacher  loved having him for  couple of classes,  rip mr navarro u hurt no more  !!!   Debbie Kasdan  class of 75

I didn't personally have Mr. Navarro as a teacher, but he always said hi to me and was a nice guy. One of Miami Norland's own. You will be missed.

It's so hard to understand why people like Andy are taken from us so soon, but find comfort in knowing that we were a special part of such a well-lived life.  RIP....Mr. Navarro #1 Teacher.  My heartfelt condolences to the Navarro family.

Andy will always be in our hearts and thoughts as a dear friend who always made us laugh.  Football season won't be the same...we will treasure the memories.  Our heartfelt condolences to the Navarro family.

Mr.Navarro was the most inspiring teacher ever,I made sure that I had him for a class every year at Miami Norland..all my best to his family

Teaching was his calling. Mr. Navarro made a profound impact on my life.  I am a Social Worker today because of his class.  So blessed to have had him as a teacher .  Rest in Peace... Aileen Byron class of 1977

"If we should ever be apart keep me in your heart and I'll live there forever"
Andy will always be in my heart.
We grew up together and were pals from First Grade. You could not find a kinder soul. You got a good one today Lord.
Love Always,
Mike Abell

I'm so sad to hear of your passing, but I know that God has a place for you in Heaven. You were a good man, a good friend and a good teacher to many. God Bless you AJ. Rest in Peace.... Lee Reid Norland class of 1971

We have lost one of our most beloved teachers. I was privileged to have Mr. Navarro for Physiology and Sociology, he was such a great teacher and had a profound impact on my life. I have the fondest of memories of him and am greatly saddened by his passing. May God send comfort to his family and may his soul rest in eternal peace with our Lord.

You were a great teacher and my sympathy for the family. I at least have the 4 instagrams he wrote to me at the end of the year. Great memories. Thoughts and prayers to the family. He is missed by me.

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Andy Navarro--a very pleasant part of my memories of Miami Noralnd in the 70's and  80's. My thoughts and prayers are with the Navarro family.

What an awesome teacher, as well as friend to a bunch of rag tag teens in the 70's. You will be missed but so fondly remembered!!!

I really enjoyed having Mr. Navarro as one of my teachers.  He was a truly gifted teacher.  My prayers are with the family. (c/o '83)

Condolences to the entire family. May you all grow closer during this troubled time. ~MNHS Class of 88

My deepest condolences to the Navarro family. I had the great honor and privilege of having him as a teacher in 1985 and he was a great presence. He was my favorite teacher. And he was cool and very easygoing. R.I.P

I can't put into words the effect  you had on me as both a teacher and a debate coach.  You will always have a special place in my heart.
May you rest in peace.

Mr. Navarro was one of the best teachers at Norland. He really had a knack for talking to and teaching his students.  I appreciate his inspiration and his kindness.  My thought and prayers are with you.
Lynda Davis Waters
Norland 1978

God Bless Andy's family.  Both of us worked at Miami Norland Senior with Andy.  He was a professional in the classroom - well loved and respected by his students and peers.  Rich & Nancy Robbins

I feel such a sense of sadness. Andy had a wonderful, wry sense of humor and a warm, giving spirit. He was a natural leader so I guess when I catch up with him he'll be in Heaven coaching the Angels tennis team.

He was a great teacher and great encouragement in my high school years.  He will be remembered fondly.  Definitely a fav of mine and many of my friends.  My prayers are with his family.

My heartfelt condolences to the family of Andrew J Navarro.May you find comfort in your wonderful memories.

Randi Bickman Roth

Thank you for your inspiration and example.  See you in Valhalla...Norland 71 - FSU 74

Like many of your students, AJ, you were my absolute FAVORITE teacher.  You are part of the reason that I am who I am today.  You taught me Psych & Soc at Norland (81).  I took what you taught me and ran w/ it.  Thank you for making me feel special when I so sorely needed that.  I felt so cool when I graduated and you said that I could call you AJ.  I did but in my heart, you will remain Mr Navarro, My Favorite Teacher.  I was devastated to hear of your passing as I'm certain your family is. G-dspeed to you.  Peace, Love, and Strength to the Navarro family.  Love, "The Little Red Haired Girl" (nickname AJ gave me)

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Navarro . He was a great teacher and a great person.Class of Norland 1985

High school seems like it was yesterday because you made it memorable. The lessons you taught us that we were able to pass on to our children. God speed on the 2nd 1/2 of your journey. May your family have peace at this time as you will dearly be missed by all that knew you.

Andy Navarro was an amazing teacher who had a tremendous impact on so many of his students.  I was fortunate to be one of them, and he will be greatly missed. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family.

May Gods love and peace carry you through your grieving.  A.J.was such a sweet and caring teacher at Miami Norland.  I have a picture of me with him at our ten year reunion in 1981, I will cherish.  He was the best!!

Mr. Navarro... you were the first teacher that treated me like an adult in class... like you were teaching adults. Your style, your humor, your concern has never been matched. Through the years, every time I have read your words in my yearbook, I was moved. What you wrote to me has had application my entire life. Thank you forever. We will meet again. God bless the Navarro family in this time and the future.

I was completely devastated and saddened to hear of Mr. Navarro's passing. I posted on his wall on FB on March 11th asking him to come to our 43rd reunion we are planning for 2014.  I had no idea that he was ill and my heart and love go out to the Navarro family. He had SUCH an impact on my life as my sociology teacher all those years ago, but it is still fresh in my mind how kind and loving he was toward ALL of his students.  His love of teaching inspired so many of my school mates to BECOME teachers themselves and I am honored to have been blessed to have known Mr. A.J. Navarro.

I took out my yearbook and I found what he wrote "John: It's been nice having you in class this semester. Thanks for the free tickets. Best of luck next year. Mr N."

I use to work at Loew's 170th ST theatre

You were the greatest teacher ever.  You made sociology fun and you cared about your students.  You truly had a gift and fulfilled God's calling for you. Your legacy is your students and how many young minds you molded.  My condolences to your family AJ. You will always be remembered with love.

Andy, we miss you and you'll never be forgotten.  Jack and I were fortunate to have met you and Rona and had you for our neighbor for these last three years.  Our life here won't be the same without you.  I know you're taking care of all the trees and landscaping up in Heaven.  We love you!

Andy was my brother-in-law, Michael Frank's dear friend.  My sister Kay thought of Andy and Rona as family and I always enjoyed visiting with Andy on my trips to Tallahassee.  I am so sorry for Rona's loss and will always have fond memories of Andy.

I have spent many hours with Andy involving the collecting of stamps and our collections.  It was an educational experience.  Andy was a friend and fellow collector.  I will miss him as will all the members of the Tallahassee Stamp and Cover Club.  Our prayers and thoughts are with him and his family.

Godspeed Mr.  Navarro. Thanks for all your good work

He was a cool teacher.  Sorry for your loss.

I am so sad to hear of your passing. You were one of the greatest teachers that ever had the opportunity to grace the halls of Miami Norland and one of my favorite teachers... your teaching methods were amazing, we all walked away with having learned great life lessons and you will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers go to the family during this most difficult time. (Class of 1973 Physiology and Sociology )

I was a student in Andy's 1971 Sociology class at Miami Norland. Even as young students we all appreciated and admired his dedication to his students and his profession. I had seen him a couple times in later years when he was still living in the Miami area. The time has passed so quickly, and Andy has left us far too soon.... Rest in peace, Mr. Navarro . . . thanks for everything you showed and gave to us.

Mr. Navarro was a wonderful teacher who was adored by his students.   His impact on those that were fortunate enough to have been his student lives on. My deepest sympathy.

I am deeply sorry to hear about Andy's passing.  I was fortunate the have him as my sociology teacher at Norland during his first year of teaching.  He was passionate, funny and inspiring and it was a genuine joy to be in his class each day. Sincere condolences to his family and friends, rest in peace my fellow Seminole.

Norland Class of 1969

I enjoyed having Mr. Navarro as my teacher in the mid 70s.  It appears that the feelings for him as one of my favorites of all time were not unique to me!  My prayers go out to his family...

After moving from NY to Miami, school was  very hard adjustment. Mr. Navarro not only was a wonderful teacher, he also helped in making my new school feel like home.

God bless Mr. Navarro for impacting so many lives. 

Psalm 23:1  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

I was so saddened to hear about Andy's passing. My dad, Bill Penn, respected him as an educator and friend. My deepest sympathy to all of the Navarro family.
Vicki Penn Zimmaro
Daughter of William(Bill) Penn

Some teachers never leave your memories. Mr. Navarro had a dynamic approach to teaching that has helped me throughout my life. He made an impact. I am sorry that his life was cut short. My condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. Navarro was everyone's favorite teacher at Norland.  I'm so sorry to hear of his passing and send heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.  I will always remember his kindness to me during the most difficult time in my high school years.  May he rest in peace.

Andy (Mr. Navarro) you were an outstanding teacher. Your life lessons still go on for many of us lucky enough to have been in your classroom. God bless you in your new and eternal classroom. Be at peace. Pray for us.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Andrew Jackson Navarro

11 septembre 1946 – 3 avril 2013

Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home & Memorial Park

Montrez votre soutien

Envoyez Vos
Condoléances

Partager
L'avis De Décès

Obtenir les mises à jour

Prestations de Service