NAVILLIAT, JOHN C.
81, died on May 11, 2018 at the Hope Hospice Center in Providence. He was the beloved husband of Rita (Pimenta) Navilliat. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, John was the son of the late John P. and Helen (Eidenmiller) Navilliat.
John was a graduate of the Milton Hershey School in Hershey, PA and earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design working at several Rhode Island architectural firms throughout his career. His first architectural project working for William D. Warner was on the Roger Williams Park Zoo; he retired 45 years later, his last job once again at the Zoo.
John loved baseball and greatly enjoyed working with the players. He began coaching Little League in 1975 followed by years of coaching Babe Ruth, and American Legion baseball. In 1987 he started coaching at the college level. Over the years he served as assistant coach at Brown University, Providence College and Bryant. In 1999, John helped lead the PC Friars to the NCAA Regionals. John also was the assistant football coach at Hope High School helping that team to the State Championship at Class C in 1985.
After moving to Rhode Island to study at RISD, he remained an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. John also enjoyed fine woodworking, photography, traveling, spending time with family and his dog, Bruce. Besides his wife of 37 years, he is survived by his sister, Beverly Ruby and her husband Paul of Pittsburgh, PA. He was the father of three sons and one daughter. Mark Navilliat and his wife Anne Brehmer of Denver, CO; James Navilliat and his wife Saskia of Lincoln, RI; Dan Navilliat and his wife Joanne of Escondido, CA and Jessica Navilliat of Johnston, RI. John had seven grandchildren.
His memorial service will be held on Friday, May 18 at 11AM at Central Congregational Church, 296 Angell Street, Providence, RI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Hope Alzheimer's Center, 25 Brayton Ave., Cranston, RI 02920. Visit NardolilloFH.com for online condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
May God bless the Navilliat family in this time
of sorrow. John was a vital part of the Providence Babe Ruth history and will be sorely
missed in the baseball community. Special thoughts and prayers from Michael Scampoli and Donald DeRita
Donald DeRita
May 19, 2018
James, I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Sandra Tougas
May 18, 2018
Mark sorry for your loss , may your dad rest in peace forever.
Mike Conte
May 16, 2018
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