Ruben Joseph Navarro Sr.

Ruben Joseph Navarro Sr., 87, of Kahului, Maui, peacefully passed away on August 10, 2026, in Wailuku, Hawaiʻi. He was born on January 22, 1939, in Puʻunēnē, Maui, to the late Sergio Navarro and Roselani Kauhane.

Ruben, affectionately known as “Dada,” was a funny, caring, loving, and devoted family man who treasured spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Aside from his love for his family, his passion for sports never went unnoticed. As a legendary coach, he dedicated more than 40 years to coaching young athletes of all ages in Track & Field and Football throughout the community. To the hundreds of kids he coached over the years, Dada was far more than a coach—he was a mentor, a role model, and one of their biggest champions.

A proud veteran of the United States Army, Ruben faithfully served his country from 1959 to 1962, stationed at Schofield Barracks on the island of Oahu. His service to our nation was a source of great pride and honor throughout his life.

Ruben is lovingly survived by his wife, Germaine Navarro; daughters, Germaine Arias (Joseph), Ruby Andrade (George), Candace Navarro (Renato), and Ardis Anguay (Raymond); and sons, Ruben Navarro Jr. (Suzette), Christopher Navarro (Gina), and Kimo Navarro.

He is also survived by his sisters, Sonia Paa, Elizabeth Aspili, Leinora Dineen, Rosalani Kalehuawehe, Anna Mae Kaha, Emmaline Villianos, and Shirley Nakagawa.

Ruben was blessed with many grandchildren: Dana, Hanalei, Ikaika, George Jr., Kekoa, Kiki, Kawila, Nazlyn, Dana Maria, Kayla, Alea, Kamalani, Kacy-Lyn, Neʻula, Tatiana, Sanoe, Kaeana, Breeana, Aoife, and Kainoa; and great-grandchildren, Taylor-Ann, McKenzie Maire, Dash, Taj-Tevai, Dylan, Taylor-Makana, Ryder, Hurley, Kaya, Ally, Anaiah, Chrinity, Chrezur, Kamile, Kaileʻa, Kahea, Tanya, Greggory, Clark, Presly, Sonny, Keao, Kaʻena, Kuola, Kilihune, Sofia-Rae, Brindley-Grace, Kaʻiewe, and Kaylee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sergio Navarro and Roselani Kauhane; his sisters, Beatrice Plevney, Winona Kauhane, Rosemary Heloca, and April Suehiro; and his brother, Pedro Villianos Jr.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Norman’s Mortuary, with public visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Following the services at Norman’s Mortuary, a Celebration of Life will continue at Kihei Community Center.

Ruben will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, extended ʻohana, the many athletes whose lives he touched throughout his decades of coaching, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.