Nelson Navarra, Army Veteran

Past New York State President B.P.O.E.

Nelson Navarra, 91, a resident of St. Ann's Care Center, Webster, NY and formerly of Watertown, NY died peacefully on March 16, 2015.

A Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 23rd at Holy Family Church, followed by Entombment with Military Honors at the Glenwood Mausoleum.

Calling hours will be 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, March 22nd at the Hart & Bruce Funeral Home 117 N. Massey St., Watertown, NY. The Elk's Memorial Service will be begin 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Nelson was a long time employee of the U.S.Postal Service, Watertown, NY and Postmaster of the Brownville, NY Post Office. He served as Treasurer of the Watertown Postal Credit Union for many years. He was a Member of the Watertown Elks Lodge 496, B.P.O.E. for 71 years, Past New York State President and District Deputy of the B.P.O.E., member of the Italian American Civil Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1400, and the American Legion Post 61. Mr. Navarra also served on the Jefferson County Fair Board for several years and was a communicant at Holy Family Church.

Nelson is survived by a daughter, Sister Kathleen Navarra, SSJ of Alabama; a son and daughter–in-law, James and Cheryl Navarra of Webster, NY; a daughter-in-law, Susan Haefner, a half brother Joseph Navarra and a half sister Ann Marie Agosta; five sister in laws, Antonette Navarra, Stella Navarra, Mary Navarra, Rose Frattali, and Lucy Trumble; six grandchildren, Trevor(Megan) Navarra of Philadelphia, PA, Jessica (Chad) Keller of Fisher, Indiana, Julie Navarra of Charlotte, NC, Brian Enck of NYC, Kevin and Allie Enck of Webster, NY;  four great grandchildren, Milo and Cora Keller, Esme and Keaton Navarra and many nieces and nephews

Nelson is predeceased by his loving wife of 68 years, Clelia Frattali Navarra; his parents Joseph and Francesca DiLiberti Navarra; his step-mother Marianna Navarra; five brothers, William, Dominic, Jacob J., John and Leo and  three sisters, Frances Navarra, Betty Lawler, and Theresa Mentry.

Nelson was an Army Veteran of World War II, having served from Feb. 11, 1943 to May 25, 1945 in the African and Italian campaigns. He and his twin brother, John, participated in the battles of Salerno and Anzio invasions.  He was a recipient of the Purple Heart.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester, 150 French Rd. Rochester, NY  14618.

Condolences may be made online at hartandbrucefh.com