Angel Navarro

He was born in Penryn, CA to Pedro and Maria Navarro, who emigrated from Spain in 1920. He was the youngest of 13 children, growing up on the Hanson ranches picking fruit from several orchards near Loomis, CA, where the family continued to work until moving to San Jose, CA, mining for quicksilver at the Almaden mines.

Angel was drafted at the age of 18 and served in the Army during WW II, graduating from the 82nd airborne division where he served until being honorably discharged in 1947.

Angel took flying lessons on the GI Bill, becoming a private pilot for small aircraft. He began working for the flying school owner, James Nissan, who was hired by the City of San Jose for development of what is now the San Jose Mineta International Airport. The City of San Jose then hired Angel, who retired as Maintenance Superintendent after 31 years of service. He also served as an Auxiliary Police Officer for the City of San Jose for 10 years. He was proud to have been flown to Washington DC in 2011 on the Honor Flight for WW II veterans.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Helen, Debra Owens (Randy), sons Robert and Daniel, and two step children, Cynthia Laprocina and Patrick Laprocina, as well as grandchildren, Sheila Alexandra (Kerel), Molly Willard (Kyle), Leah Robinson, Scott Nelms, and step granddaughter, Victoria Laprocina. Great grandchildren Grace Holsinger, Wyatt Willard and Ava Willard.

Proceeding him in death was daughter, Carole Nelms, his parents, 12 siblings, and former wife, Frances Mesa.

Angel will be laid to rest at the San Joaquin Veterans' National Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA on Friday, February 2, 2024 @ 12:30pm.