Raul Bartolo Navarro

In Loving Memory of Raul Bartolo Navarro
August 24, 1937 – January 22, 2025

Raul Bartolo Navarro, a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Born on August 24, 1937, in Havana, Cuba, Raul was the beloved son of Ignacio Navarro Moreno and Laudelina Martinez Cortina. He grew up in a large and vibrant household with four brothers and four sisters, finding joy in the bustling streets of Havana and the company of his close-knit family.  He had a special bond with his older brother, Orlando Prats, who paid his school fees at the Astorias private school for boys, and who later sponsored his immigration to the greatest country in the world, his beloved United States of America.

Raul had a happy childhood, full of curiosity and adventure. He loved exploring his surroundings, dreaming big, and enjoying the simple pleasures of Cuban life.  As a child he loved to hitch a free ride on the back of the street car with his friends, much to the displeasure of the street car driver.  As a young man, Raul worked in a jugeria – a juice stand – where they made fresh juice from the delicious fruit of the Caribbean: orange, grapefruit, mamey, guanabana, and his favorite: pineapple.  Later he worked as a delivery boy for a high end tailor, picking up expensive fabric and delivering handmade suits to customers.  

Raul had a special bond with his older brother, Orlando Prats, who paid his school fees at the Astorias private school for boys, and who later sponsored his immigration to the greatest country in the world, his beloved United States of America.

In Cuba, Raul met the love of his life, Margarita Yong, and their love story became the foundation of a beautiful family. They were married December 9, 1961 in Margarita’s home town of Madruga.  Together, they made the courageous decision to leave their homeland in pursuit of a better future.  In order to be allowed to leave the tyranny of the Communist State in Cuba, Raul “volunteered” to cut sugar cane for 6 years– 3 years to earn his exit visa, and 3 years to earn Margarita’s exit visa.  This is brutal, back breaking work, especially for  a city boy who worked in the National Recording Clerk office of Havana and had no agricultural experience.  This tremendous sacrifice demonstrates his total commitment to his wife and family. 

Raul and Margarita immigrated to the United States in 1970, settling in Redwood City, California to build a new life filled with hope and opportunity.  In 1976, Raul became a naturalized citizen of the United States of America, a very proud moment.  Raul loved this country, and was grateful for the opportunities of the American Dream. 

Raul worked tirelessly to provide for his family, spending 25 years as a factory worker in Redwood City, California, for Raychem, a company that produced plastics for military aviation.  His dedication and work ethic were a testament to his unwavering commitment to ensuring a brighter future for his loved ones.

Raul’s faith in Jesus Christ was always an important part of his life. In 2018, he was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by his son Alex, a moment of deep spiritual significance. In 2019, Raul and Margarita were sealed for time and all eternity in the Denver Temple, a sacred event that brought immense joy and peace to their lives.

He found happiness in the little things—watching Burt Lancaster movies, reminiscing about his beloved Cuba, sharing photos and stories of his great-grandchildren, and indulging in Italian cream cake from Dianda’s Bakery in the Mission District in San Francisco: oh how he loved this cake!  Raul’s warmth, humor, and love for family left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Raul is survived by his wife, Margarita Yong Vallin Navarro, his two sons, Raul Navarro, and Alexander Navarro (and wife Connie Nelson Navarro); his granddaughter, Ashley Christine Navarro Attali (and husband Benjamin Attali); and his three great-grandsons: Sébastien Olivier Attali, Laurentino Batiste Attali, and Balthazar Alphonse Attali.

Raul’s warmth, humor, and love for family left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Raul’s legacy of love, resilience, and devotion to friends and  family will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.  We rejoice in the knowledge that he is reunited with his parents, brothers and sisters, who preceded him in death, and most importantly with our Loving Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. 

Visitation at 10:30AM followed by Funeral Service at 11:00AM at The Church of Jesus Latter-day Saints, 910 West Ridge Road, Littleton CO 80120; burial to follow at Littleton Cemetery.

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