Raymond “Ray” Gea Navarro, Jr.

December 16, 1941 - September 10, 2021

Raymond “Ray” Gea Navarro Jr., of East Haven was a caring husband, father, father-in-law, brother, grandfather and greatgrandfather. He left this world in his sleep peacefully on Sept 10, 2021 at the age of 79. Ray was born to Raymond Gea Navarro Sr and Mary Nunes Navarro on December 16, 1941. After graduating from Hillhouse High School, Ray chased his dream and married his high school sweetheart Stella Vorvis (deceased 1989). He worked his way up from a teenaged driver to become the owner of Hortons Gallo Creamer Auto Parts Company. Later he re-named it Ray’s Auto Parts where he remained in business until his retirement in 2018. Together, Ray and Stella had two children: Raymond Gea Navarro III (Melissa), MaryAnn Lynn (Timothy) and a dedicated daughter-in-law Michelle Navarro (mother of Ray’s four children). He is also survived by siblings, Antonio Navarro, Cecelia Rhone, MaryAnn King and was predeceased by a brother Frank Gea Navarro. Ray loved spending time at his machine shop on Ella Grasso Boulevard as well as gardening, inventing improvements for machinery and wood working. Neighborhood customers and local characters gathered at his shop to mull over Ray’s crossword puzzles or his latest inventions while the drum and rotor machines hummed in the background. Ray shared stories about the old days and recalled fondly the days when automobiles were built “correctly” and mechanics were not just parts replacers. He was a skilled Sudoku master and filled many early morning hours enjoying the challenge of black belt level play. Weekends were spent with his family and his seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren living by the Golden Rule. The last three years Ray was assisted at home by Sam – his live-in caretaker and our good friend.

Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial in the St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at Our Lady of Pompeii Church (which overlooks the backyard of his home on Thomas Court) Wednesday morning at 11:00. A private burial will follow. There will be NO CALLING HOURS. In lieu of flowers and in honor of his late brother, Vietnam Purple Heart recipient

Frank Gea Navarro, memorial contributions may be made to his son Ray’s annual car show in support of Wounded Warriors at 7 Markham Road, East Hampton, CT 06424. Arrangements are in care of the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte80) East Haven. Sign Ray’s guest book online at www.portofuneralhomes.net