Tony (Nene) Navarro Jr.

On April 25, 2024, Tony (Nene) Navarro passed away peacefully at his home with his children at his side. Tony was born to Antonio Sr and Lucy Boone on February 7, 1924, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He lived his entire life in Bernalillo, New Mexico.

Tony attended school in Bernalillo with the Christian Brothers and Sisters of Loretto. In 1943, he was drafted into the service and served in the U.S Army. He was shipped off to England where he fought for his country in World War II. Tony fought in the Battle of the Bulge Normandy (also known as Ardennes Offensive), Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He received the Good Conduct and Victory Medals for these battles and was honorably discharged on November 28, 1945. Soon after his return from the service, he married the love of his life, Mollie Aguilar, to whom he was married for 62 years. Together, they raised six children. Tony went to work for Kirtland Air Force Base in the commissary, where he was a supervisor of the meat department. He became friends with many of the Colonels and Generals who often requested special cuts of meat that he would hand-cut for them.

After his retirement in 1979, he pursued his lifelong passion for art. He took classes and became not only an artist but also a santero and made bultos. Much of his art and carvings were sold to people across the United States. His work was also showcased at the Spanish Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico and the New Mexico State Fair. Tony was a devout Catholic, and his faith in God was never-ending. He lived his life with religion as the center.

Tony is survived by his six children, Gilbert Navarro (Ruth), Patricia Dominguez (Harold), Christine Silva (Felix), Veronica Quintana (Charles), Jennifer Archibeque (David), and Anthony Navarro (Lorrie). He is also survived by his two sisters Helen Martinez, Mary Anne Montoya, and brother-in-law Gilbert Sandoval, and sister-in-laws Alice and Dorella Aguilar, his 9 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren. Tony was preceded in death by his wife Mollie, his parents Antonio and Lucy, his brothers Raymond and Joe, sisters Bebe, Stella, Kate, Lila, and Grace, and grandsons David, Steven and Wayne.

The Rosary will be held on Tuesday, May 14th, starting at 10 am, with the funeral mass at 11 a.m. and a reception to follow at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Bernalillo, NM. Special thanks to his caregivers, the V.A and Ambercare Hospice. Interment will take place on Monday, May 20th at 2 p.m., at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to your favorite charity.