Nunziante “Ray” Navarro 87 of South Yarmouth and formerly of Saugus died Friday June 19, 2020, after a short illness.

He was the husband of the late Charlotte Longfellow Navarro who died in 2009. Married for 41 years, Charlotte was the love of his life.

Born in Boston, Ray was the son of the late Roberto and Rose Mazzeo Navarro. He was raised in Everett and graduated from Everett High School and later attended Ana Maria College where he received his Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice.

Ray served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was passionate about his musical abilities and played the saxophone and clarinet in the military band. He later played in his own band, “The Ray Navarro Orchestra”.

For over 30 years, Ray worked for the Everett Police Department and was a Sergeant at the time of his retirement.

An avid golfer, Ray enjoyed cooking, spending winters in Florida, summers on Cape Cod, and he was happiest when he was spending time with his family and friends.

Ray is survived by two sons, Robert and Albert Navarro; a daughter, Deborah Jimenez and her husband, Scott; a stepson, David Merritt and his wife, Phyllis; a stepdaughter in-law, Janis Merritt; a sister, Jennie Labonte; a stepsister, Susan Petrone; a stepsister in-law, Adele Petrone; six grandchildren; three great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends, including his longtime companion, Mary Connors; and his two special friends, Frank Ramos and Doug Rice.  In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by a son, Anthony Navarro; a stepson, Alan Merritt; two sisters, Mary Lattanzio and her husband, Alfred, and Suzy Kunkel; a half brother, Al Navarro; and two stepbrothers, Aldo and Michael Petrone.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday July 27 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation for Cape Cod Hospital, P.O. Box 370, Hyannis, MA 02601.

Our Uncle Ray, who loved us all unconditionally. Out hearts are broken, we will miss you terribly and cherish all the memories of those times spent at the Cape with you. We love you very much!

Our Uncle Ray, who loved us all unconditionally. Out hearts are broken, we will miss you terribly and cherish all the memories of those times spent at the Cape with you. We love you very much!

Ray/Uncle Nunzie to me was not only my Uncle but a best friend. When he would come to visit me in Las Vegas we would go to the Wynn buffet and eat the giant Alaskan crab legs that we loved. And boy did we a ton of them! We always talked and definitely laughed like crazy. He had a hearty infectious laugh and a great sense of humor. I think of him everyday and miss him. I was very lucky to have him in my life.

I had the pleasure of playing in Ray's orchestra for many years. He was a talented musician and a devoted family man RIP, Ray.

I grew up in Everett. My parents were friends with your dad, so, I knew him too And remember him As a cop and his band . He actually may have Had played at my wedding In 1980 Was such a nice guy, so handsome to,beautiful smile. May your dad Rest In Peace &. God bless you all

Ray had a great laugh and sense of humor. He will be missed.

Rest in peace dad