William Anthony Navarra

If you knew my dad, you most likely thought exactly what I did / that this day would never come. That’s not because we are naive and don’t know that all good things must come to an end - it is because he was bigger than life, and everyone that came in contact with him knew this immediately. He had a magnetism that brought people close to him, whether it was a wise crack, or general interest and generosity, you knew this was a very special person. My dad came from a very humble upbringing - an only child losing his father at a very young age and brought up by both his mother and grandmother. Here is where he learned that family was paramount, and a dedicated work ethic was essential. He worked extremely hard as a young man loading sugar bags into trucks at an A&P store in lower Manhattan, became a NYC sanitation man and eventually joined the New York City police department. He served the NYPD for 20 years, retiring as a detective and a member of the prestigious Honor Legion. Of course, dad couldn’t stop working, so while enjoying his new found retirement in Florida for a total of about 20 minutes, dad answers an add in the local paper to be a security guard at a newly built spring training baseball facility in Tampa. He lived in Spring Hill mind you, about 45 miles north of this new stadium, but for heavens sake it was for the New York Yankees - his favorite team. He would make that trek for close to 20 years and he loved every minute of it. Earlier I said that my father believed that family was paramount - well ultimately he had 3 families (including their extensions) - the Navarra’s, the Signorelli’s and of course, the New York Yankees. He was able to spread his love between all three, never neglecting any of us. Although each love was a bit different, he maintained each one with dedication, loyalty and compassion. To that end, he taught all of us, especially my brother Frank, sister Maria and me that same ethic from a very young age and we will forever carry that forward. He also made it very clear to all of us, that if we didn’t listen to him, he would, in his words, send lightning bolts down to remind us - I guess that is apropos for Tampa. I want to thank everyone here for coming today to honor my dad, for as you all know he is very well worth it. But I want you all to know that he would want each and every one of you to smile when you think of him and not be sad that he is gone. I’m sure you all know, and he always believed, that there is a part of him, whether it be his wisecracking manner, his generosity, or general interest in others successes that can be carried forward. Godspeed pops - we love you!

~Patrick