John Navaretta

John Carl Navaretta passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026. Born on March 2, 1949, John made the most of every moment: working hard and playing harder. Growing up in a Catholic, Italian household in Jamaica, Queens, he learned independence, resourcefulness, and how to troubleshoot any problem, mechanical or otherwise. He left for the Army at 18 for a tour in Vietnam; following his service, he worked on Wall Street and married the love of his lifetime, Josephine Navaretta. The two moved to LHC in the early days of the city, where together, they embarked on a successful 30+ year career as the owners of Pitzer Air Conditioning, further working in property management and contracting.

Whether John was personalizing his vehicle or leading in the church, he always did the absolute most. At Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, he served as a Deacon for 24 years, teaching marriage preparation classes, confirmation, bible studies, and always putting people first. He was community-minded, dedicating time as a Rotarian to build wells in foreign countries, host exchange students, serve as Rotary president, or work the Sara Park snack bar. When he was finished with his 12-hour workdays, he would make sure to add in fun, enjoying time as an avid racquetball player, race boat and car driver, amateur professional slalom skier, and art enthusiast. He lived his life at full throttle, embracing every moment (and often the gas pedal) with 100% effort and conviction.

He is survived by his daughter, Ginny; son, Chris; and granddaughters, Macy and Wren Sautner. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, partner, teammate, and soulmate of 53 years, Josephine Navaretta, who passed just 10 weeks earlier and his daughter, Cristina Navaretta who passed in the fall of 2022.

The Visitation and Rosary are planned at Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home on Friday, October 16th from 3-5pm. A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church on Saturday, October 17th from 10-11am, followed by a Celebration of Life.

John Carl Navaretta, or better known to his friends as "The Nav" lived loudly, vibrantly, and unapologetically. There was always room for one more at his table where he embraced family, friends, and the beauty and pain of life with his whole heart.