Catarino Navarro Sr.

Catarino Quintanilla Navarro Sr., 78. passed away Monday, February 21, 2022 in Abilene, Texas.  A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM, on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 in the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South.

Catarino was born February 7, 1944 to Sotero and Gerarda Navarro in San Antonio, Texas. In his younger years he was a boxer affiliated with Golden Gloves, which led to his love for martial arts. He loved working around his house, yard, and especially in his garage. His hobbies included fishing, camping, reading, playing pool, and teaching his children and grandchildren life skills. Catarino spent over 40 years supporting his country by performing multiple roles within the Aerospace industry which encompassed total quality management. He was proud he had accomplished his management certification from the Institute of Certified Professional Managers as well as obtaining his Airman Mechanic Airframe and Powerplant license from the Federal Aviation Administration.

During his early career, he was a business owner of an automotive service center. He took pride in his creativity and enjoyed working on mechanical projects. Catarino was very intelligent, wise, self-taught, and found education very important. To know him was to know love, compassion, and humor. Above all things, he was a Godly man that portrayed his love for his family and friends through his prayers, kind words, and time spent with each of them. Catarino was very proud of his leadership legacy, it will be one that is carried on through generations to come.

He is preceded in death by his father, Sotero Navarro Sr.; his mother, Gerarda Navarro; his siblings, Sotero Navarro Jr., Paul Navarro, and David Navarro.

Catarino is survived by his children, Ray Navarro and wife Connie, Katherine (Navarro) Perez and husband Anthony Sr., Timothy Navarro, Nathan Navarro Sr. and wife Rosalba, and Catarino Navarro Jr. and wife Isela; 14 grandchildren, Catherine, Desiree, Anthony Jr., Kevin, Christian, Ariana, Ellissa, Nathan II, Alvaneya, Nuvia, Estrella, Adalia, Catarino E., and Valeria; 12 great grandchildren; his sister, Carol Quintero; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family highly encourages that masks be worn during Catarino’s funeral services.

Immediately after burial, Catarino’s immediate children, and spouses, with grandchildren will gather privately to grieve, mourn, and comfort one another. Please respect their privacy and wishes and give final condolences after the gravesite service.