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David Navarro Potter Obituary
Leaving the confines of the ultra conservative life in Palm Beach, David decamped to New York City in 1960. An original 'free spirit', David threw himself into a bohemian lifestyle that was Manhattan at the time. He opened a found objects and collectables shop in the East Village aptly named "Beyond Perceptions". His love for collecting beautiful people and beautiful things was featured in Town and Country magazine in 1972. While in New York, he also studied acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse, modern dance with Martha Graham, created interiors for Bette Davis' residence, while developing a penchant for palm reading.
Sensing an excitement not to be missed in San Francisco, David, with his wife Beverly Miller, and two young daughters, Francine and Jennifer, embarked on a new chapter. David's passion for design manifested in the founding of Navarro Alternatives. David designed one of a kind, never seen before jewelry, while Beverly ran the business, and together they became the unexpected darlings of Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, I. Magnin, Barney's New York, Henri Bendel and many fine specialty stores. His revolutionary signature design was a circle and point closure for his "Swept Away" collection, inspired by the film of the same name, directed by Lina Wertmuller in 1974. Today, this design is known as a Toggle Clasp, adopted by an infinite number of designers whom followed in his renegade footsteps. Navarro Alternatives is worn by numerous celebrities and prominent socialites and featured in key publications, such as Women's Wear Daily, W Magazine, Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, among others. Navarro also designed art and sculpture, sold his work privately, and showcased in galleries, including the Rizzoli Gallery in San Francisco in the early 1990's.
David was predeceased by his wife Beverly and brothers Eugene and Richard. He is survived by his brother Douglas Potter of Pahokee Florida, his two daughters, Francine Fiesel of Sebastopol, California and Jennifer Miller Ehret of New York City, grand-children Sierra and Cody Fiesel, nephews Darrin, Eugene and Kolb Potter and nieces Debra Potter, Dina Potter Murray, Elizabeth Potter and Laurie Potter Pearson. In addition, David was the best friend to a close coterie of people who will miss his enormous heart and his beloved lust for life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Navarro Potter
Sponsored by Jen and Mark.
Marcia Selwyn
September 5, 2025
Another year without you......I'm still missing you deeply.
Marjorie Potter-Kolb
September 5, 2025
There will never be another David. He will always be remembered along with the incredible memories of occasions spent with him. Marj
Marcia Selwyn
September 5, 2024
Yesterday Merhan and I were having tea talking about you and Harriet. We will always remember, miss and love you both.
Rebecca Wolford
April 6, 2024
I'm thinking of you tonight David as I hold one of my dearest treasures i got from you at the flea market I remember stopping off at your booth along the the main walkway and always gazing at the wonderful treasures your were selling this was probably around the summer of 2014 and my eye came across this crochet pouch that had crystals in and you had mentioned that you always carried it around you when you traveled in Europe ! I love my small collection of your things and I too am a maker of one of kind jewelry and proud to have met you and shared wonderful stories !
guy w clark II
December 4, 2022
I was the Jewelry manager at Saks Fifth Ave in NYC in 1983-1985, and we carried David's one-of-a-kind bohemian pieces of jewelry. David traveled to the stores rarely to do trunk shows, but they were always a great success! And remember that 40 years ago to have "costume jewelry" that was $1000 and more a piece, was a very rare thing indeed! His talent was often imitated but never duplicated.
Marcia Selwyn
August 31, 2022
Miss you, love you forever
Marcia Selwyn
August 31, 2022
I still miss you and will forever. Love you sweetheart. Marcia
Janet Goldman
August 30, 2022
I was looking at my exquisite and extensive Navarro jewelry collection recently and thought Of David. He was a gem! His jewelry irresistible! He was Creative, original, talented, handsome and warm, one of a kind. I have the best of memories of David and Beverly from the shows and Fragments. With love to the family, Janet Goldman
Marcia Selwyn
September 5, 2020
I think of you always David. Love you, Marcia
The coolest guy I've ever known
Darrin Zen Potter
September 16, 2019
I miss you everyday and I know everyday that you are withnme...sharing in my adventures, adding to our movie. You where/are the coolest guy I've ever known. I keep a picture of you on the end table of my couch. My daughter stairs at that picture and I have no doubt you are speaking to her through it. I often think of how we said we would go to Burning Man together but never got the chance. I vow to do so in your name and burn a piece of art so the smoke drifts off into the night sky to find you that you may enjoy it. I'm still doing the things you loved for me to do and your spirit lives on in it. Miss you uncle, miss my friend. Norah Grace Potter will know you and all the stories we shared...well maybe not all of them ;)
Marj Potter Kolb
September 6, 2019
He will always be remembered. What a great person.
Marcia Selwyn
September 5, 2019
David, David I miss you so very much. I will love you forever.
Elizabeth Potter
September 5, 2019
I regret that I didn't have many moments with my uncle David. I realize now what an impact he made in my life. He was a free spirit. I would love to have that same spirit. Every time I create anything artistic I think of him and sweet Beverly the love of his life. We all should be blessed to have a love like theirs.
Rabia
July 5, 2017
Andrzej Wozniakoski worked for David for several years as a silversmith. I also worked for a little while. David was a sweet and honorable man and the family was great. This a photo of Andrzej and his daughter
Elizabeth Potter
February 8, 2017
I really loved my uncle David. The stories he would tell of his life were amazing. With love I always thought of He and Beverly as the "original hippies". David and Beverly will be truly missed forever.
Edith Csizmadia
October 9, 2015
I miss you David and I know how much Susan loved you and still love forever Love Edith
Susan Landau
October 5, 2015
So extraordinary was this man and the deep friendship that we shared. I hardly have had such inspiration, life lessons, support, Marshall's companion and movie reviewer. David was so fun to be with especially his policy of being the first to arrive and last to leave all parties. I saw a movie this weekend and came home ready to call you. I love you, David, wherever you are.
John Pillette
September 30, 2015
David was my upstairs neighbor in San Francisco for a dozen years. What a lovely guy; to live that long without becoming an old man was a neat trick, and one most of us can't pull off. Whether or not I'll be able to do the same, David, I thank you for the example.
David greeting friends at the SFDN gathering.
Joseph Abbati
September 24, 2015
I enjoyed knowing David and his wife Beverly through the San Francisco Design Network. He was creative talent that brought innovation and beauty to the world.
Marjorie Potter-Kolb
September 16, 2015
You were absolutely the most beautiful spirit I have ever known. Your love, your kindness, your talents and your devotion to your wife and family were like none other. You were loved by all.
Elizabeth Kobell
September 13, 2015
See you in the clouds David. You are an amazing soul
Marcia Selwyn
September 13, 2015
David my long time friend I will miss you. You were one of the sweetest souls ever. RIP with Beverly and Harriet. I love you!
Darrin Potter
September 12, 2015
I'll always have the stories...the ones we lived and ones we made up. I'll love and miss you until I see you again. - your nephew
Pam Tuohy Novinsky
September 11, 2015
Honored to have witnessed and been touched by the magic that David & Beverly created. Calling this couple & Francine & Jennifer my friends is one of the greatest highlights in my life. Thank you for all of the beauty you brought in to this world and for teaching us all that hard work + art + a lust for life can coexist. Sending David's Family love & light. xo
Joseph Kobell
September 11, 2015
We will miss the amazing David Navarro and his creative and kind soul.
Joe and Nathan
Bruce Good
September 11, 2015
What a wonderful guy. You will be missed.
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