In Memoriam: Gary J. Nava – Husband, Father, Friend, Mountie

Recently, one of my closest friends from Mount Saint Michael Academy, Gary Nava, was called by God to His heavenly home.

Gary was a friend for 54 years, since the first year of high school at the Mount. 

He was always in the middle of an invigorating chat during high school years, sharing his kind smile and encouraging words.

A Lifetime Friendship

We remained friends throughout the years, facilitated because of Gary’s frequent work visits during his professional career to Nyack Hospital.

Each time he visited, he stopped by my mother’s office who was Director of Admitting.

My mom always shared her happiness with me when Gary visited – she, as with everyone privileged to know him, felt he was the quintessential gentleman.

Life and Holiness, a Rosary

Just two years prior to Gary’s passing, without either of us knowing his fate, we had the most profound conversations about life and our Catholic faith.

After one of our chats, I mailed Gary one of my favorite books, a spiritual classic by the monk Thomas Merton titled Life and Holiness. I have followed Merton for a lifetime, and read many of his works. 

It has also been my privilege to make retreats at the Abbey of Gethsemane in Bardstown, Kentucky, where Merton lived a life completely dedicated to prayer, work, and Lectio Divina.  

Life and Holiness was in my possession for 50 years, since my teenager years growing up in the Bronx. I referred to it many times for wisdom, and felt Merton's spirituality would be an inspiration to Gary also.

In the same package, I also sent Gary a pair of my favorite rosaries, which I repaired for him by replacing it’s broken crucifix.  

We shared our believe in devotion to the Blessed Mother, and the importance of the rosary in a conversation that was profound, unforgettable, and enriching.  

A Life of Kindness

I always admired Gary for his kindness, and especially for his devotion to his beloved wife Donna, his children, family, friends, and Mount brothers.

Gary is a powerful reminder of the dignity of kindness, and I am confident that he smiles from heaven upon all whom he loves. 

“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” John 11: 25–26

“Life is this simple: we are living in a world that is absolutely transparent and the divine is shining through it all the time. This is not just a nice story or a fable, it is true.” ~ Thomas Merton, Cistercian Monk, Abbey of Gethsemane, Kentucky

Obituary

On November 16th, 2022, Gary John Nava, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away in White Plains, NY.

Gary was born on June 26th, 1953 to Angelo and Margaret (Lamb) Nava. 

Gary graduated Mount St. Michael Academy in 1971. He went on to get his bachelors degree from Fordham University and subsequent Masters Degree. 

Gary is survived by his wife, Donna of 45 years, their daughters Carissa and Stefanie, grandchildren Chloe and Colton, and his sisters Debbie and Madeline. 

Gary was known for his sense of humor and being life of the party. He enjoyed golf, dancing, live music, good food, and most importantly spending time with his grandchildren. 

Gary had been enjoying retirement this past year splitting his time between East Hampton, NY and Naples, FL. 

He will be greatly missed by his loving family and always revered in their hearts. Gary is at peace and joining his daughter Tiffany (deceased) in eternal rest. 

We are sincerely grateful to the many friends who have given us support and comfort during this time of loss.

Please send any donations to support Tiffany’s Angels.

PS: After this piece was published, I received many expressions of appreciation from Mount brothers. But, the most touching and important was from Gary's beloved wife Donna. 

Donna shared her faith, and her appreciation for the rosary. She was an inspiration - expressing that she will use the rosary that I gave to Gary. 

May Donna be blessed, and comforted by Our Blessed Mother, who smiles upon her from heaven along with Gary.  This is a reality, our faith, our strength, and our consolation.  

Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us.   

 “The Rosary is the most beautiful and the richest in graces of all prayers. It is the prayer that touches most the Heart of the Mother of God…and if you wish peace to reign in your homes, recite the family Rosary.” - Pope Saint Pius X

P.S.

Once a Mount brother, always a brother as proven from this photo collage from a Saturday, February 4, 2023 inspirational gathering in Florida.

Henri Nolan, Paul Trupia, Kevin Lopresti, Mount President Peter Corritori, Frank Calderone, and Jimmy Honohan (l to r), all from class of 1971 - over 50 years ago - met to celebrate the life of Gary Nava, recently called to his eternal reward.

It was my privilege to share a few thoughts with my Mount brothers and their families via Facetime, and I read the following Psalm for our reflection:

Psalm 23: 1 - 4

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

“He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

About the Author

Vincent J. Bove is a national speaker and author on issues critical to America with over 300 published works. His most recent books are “Reawakening America” and “Listen To Their Cries.”

Bove is recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award, former confident of the New York Yankees, and served as spokesperson for a coalition of Virginia Tech tragedy victim’s families.

For 20 years, Vincent has served communities as a Board Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Board Certified Crime Prevention Specialist, Certified Police Training Commission Instructor, Crime Prevention Practitioner, and USDOJ Certified Community Anti-Terrorism Instructor Trainer. 

Bove is also a licensed State of New Jersey / Division of State Police SORA Instructor, owner of Reawakening America LLC, and co-founder of Global Security Resolutions LLC, an international investigative company.

Photo Collage (Clockwise): 

1. Gary J. Nava 1971 Mount graduation headshot.  2. Gary in lunchroom with Thomas J. Masciarelli, Charlie Vanacore (deceased) and Victor Anderson (l to r). 3. Mount 40th reunion, 2011 - Vincent J. Bove, Charlie Vanacore, John C. McManus, Gary J. Nava, and Roy F. Scaffidi. (l to r)