David J. Navallo

David J. (Dave) Navallo, 59, loving and devoted son, brother, godfather and uncle, unexpectedly passed away on March 3, in his sleep from 9/11 related illnesses. His family is deeply saddened by his sudden passing. David was born on August 27, 1963, in Staten Island, NY to parents Joseph and Patricia (English) Navallo.

 As a child, he excelled in both school and sports and was an amazing pitcher for his little league team, having a fast ball that was nearly impossible to hit. His love of sports continued throughout his life with his dedication to his favorite teams, the Yankees and Giants. As a teenager he developed a love for fishing, a love which he helped pass on to his nieces and nephews. He could often be found with a fishing pole at the beach or on a boat during his off time. 

After graduating from Port Richmond High School, David went on to attend the College of Staten Island. He also began to work in the construction field and became a very skilled carpenter, frequently helping his family and friends with work needed in their homes.  David ultimately worked for the NYC Department of Transportation. During his time with the DOT, he was a first responder to the attacks on the World Trade Center and spent several months assisting in the recovery and cleanup.

David was very proud to be a Master Mason in Huguenot Lodge #381, following in the footsteps of his father, Joseph Navallo and brothers William and Robert.

Above all else, David was a dedicated, devoted and loving son and family man. He was a wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend. His family meant everything to him, they were his world, and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. He cherished spending time with his nieces and nephews and was a doting uncle. He always enjoyed taking his young nieces and nephew trick or treating with his sister, going to their dance recitals, concerts, plays and sporting events. He loved to spoil them and always brought special treats for them whenever he came over.  Whether he was making spaghetti sauce to pass out to the family, helping to BBQ, working around the house with his brothers or just hanging out watching tv with his mom, there was no place else he’d rather be. His loyalty to his family knew no bounds and he dedicated the last years of his life committed to the needs and comfort of his step-father and mother. He also liked to joke around with and tease his family and friends often eliciting laughs, giggles and the occasional eye roll. He had a wonderful sense of humor and liked participating in some good-natured shenanigans.

Even though Dave left us way too soon, he lived an extraordinary life, surrounded by people who loved and adored him. He will be missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him.

David is survived by his loving mother, Patricia Jansen, née English; brothers William Navallo and Ingmar Jansen; little sister Dawn (Thomas) Bartkowski; Niece and Goddaughter Shannyn Bartkowski: Nieces Lynda (Sean) Bartkowski-Hildebrand, Kyrsten and Alyxandra Bartkowski, Gabriella Navallo; nephews Robert Bartkowski and Louis Navallo. He is also survived by his beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his father Joseph Navallo; stepfather Peter Jansen; brothers Joseph and Robert Navallo and sister Lynda Navallo.

Dave, we will always carry your memory in our hearts, “you were a good man, Charlie Brown.”