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Michael Salvatore Navarrette

Michael Navarrette Obituary

1997 - 2020
Michael Navarrette, the beloved son of Kim DiQuattro and Charles Navarrette, died tragically from a gunshot wound to the head on May 17th, 2020 in Queens, NY. Michael was born on June 2, 1997 in New York City. He grew up in Kew Gardens, NY and was studying nursing at LaGuardia College when his life was sadly cut short by a stray bullet.

Michael loved sports, reading, politics, helping children, traveling, his family, his girlfriend Diana Hernandez, and his beloved dog, Brando. Michael had a great sense of humor - most thought he was hilarious - an infectious smile with a wonderful spirit and soul. He was kind, loyal and generous to his friends. He had enormous strength and courage to face his battle with bipolar disorder which he was finally winning until this senseless, horrific, tragedy occurred.

Michael will be missed every day by his parents, his girlfriend and loving aunts, uncles and cousins. We have lost his shining light from the twinkling star to which he has returned.

Celebrate the good memories you have of Michael and remember that life is fragile and short and should be lived to the fullest.

A private celebration of life for Michael will be held on June, 2nd, 2020, his 23rd birthday. A public memorial will be held at Papavero Funeral Home some time in July/August when New York reopens.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times from May 28 to May 29, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Navarrette

88 Entries

LGVA

May 22, 2025

Always in our hearts and always remembered. God bless you Michael

Kim diQuattro

May 19, 2025

my heart is heavy still ....with sorrow and pain, as it has been 5 years since my boy died. I miss his lovely smile and sweet nature. The emptiness left behind is deep. one day I will know you again...... love mom

Charlie

May 4, 2025

I don´t want to remember, but I can´t forget.

Charlie

June 2, 2024

Kim

May 22, 2024

I am missing my beautiful son every day. He was the light of my life, a beautiful generous soul.
All my love, always,
mom

Jaci Mafei

May 22, 2024

Michael my prayers for you this day!

LGVA

May 22, 2024

ALWAYS remembered

Maristela Mafei

May 22, 2024

Dear Charlie, Michael's father, my dearest friend, I am with you always, feel hugged by me, Maristela

Kim

January 15, 2024

Michael
I am thinking of you today and missing you. My only child, my special boy. I see you smiling face. Xxxx mim

Paolo Diquattro

June 2, 2023

Michael Salvatore Navarrette, today is your 26th birthday? There are a lot of us thinking of you. I will play the birthday song on the piano and sing happy birthday to you as my personal celebration of your life. You are one of my heroes. What you did, in donating your organs saved several lives. I salute you, Michael Salvatore. You are a beautiful, beautiful boy and will always be in my heart. I love you Michael Salvatore, Uncle Paulie.

LgVA

May 22, 2023

Another year "lost" without Michael

Kim, Michael's mom

May 17, 2023

This is the third anniversary of Michael's death. I miss him more then ever. One of my favorite memories of Michael is when he was 3 years old. It was late at night and I had just put up Xmas decorations including a 2 foot tall Santa with moving parts. I walked into the living room where the Santa was, and Michael was in front of Santa waving hello saying "Hi Santa, it's me Michael.

Jennifer

May 17, 2023

Missing you and thinking of you my handsome wonderful little cousin. We love you Infinity - Jennifer, Hal, Charlie & Josie.

Jackie Kroopf

May 17, 2023

Michael - I only got the pleasure of knowing you for a few years but each one was delightful. You brought so much warmth and smiles into each room you entered.

I remember the first time I really got to spend the whole day with you was when we went to the beach together when you were visiting the west coast. I was so impressed with what a gentleman you were, offering to open doors and carry things for me and your aunt Cathy. You cracked jokes to keep conversations flowing and you had smart and interesting ideas and stories to share. One of my favorite moments was how you ended the debate at Christmas one year: which Kroopf brother gets to eat the extra lobster tail? It was quite the battle and you swooped in and secured your spot in the running - any one who knows about the Kroopf boys feasting legacy at the holidays knows this was no easy feat!

Then you met my son. As an infant he didn´t really make eye contact with people. He immediately locked eyes with you. He could feel that same warmth I mentioned earlier. He would just giggle as you held him and made funny faces.

I love you Michael and thank you for all the beautiful memories you´ve given me. You are a special soul and please know we all miss you terribly every day. Xoxo!

Cousin Jackie

May 17, 2023

Hey Mikey,

Love and miss you so much cuz. Hen gets bigger every year, and you would absolutely love him. He is fun and incredibly sweet. I hope you are watching over him from above so you know what I am talking about. Going to take him to his first amusement park soon and it got me thinking about when I took you to Disneyland when you were a little dude. That was such a fun day. Sorry if Thunder Mountain was a little too fast. Should I push Hen to go on some faster ones too?

Jonathan Kroopf

May 6, 2023

Cousin, it´s baseball season and I was just thinking about how you and I and Uncle Tom went the Yankees game togeather. It was such a great time. I had Knicks playoffs tickets and I was wishing we could have gone togeather. I´m missing you a lot baby cuz.

Edgar

November 30, 2022

I think about you everyday Mike I miss you man. Rest up I´ll see you again one day .

Dad

September 12, 2022

Look out for grandpa. I asked him to out for you.

Ignacio Navarrette passed away in Royal Oak on Sunday, September 4, 2022. He was born on December 2, 1924 in Detroit to the late Miguel and Seferina Navarrette. Beloved husband of the late Maria Antonia Navarrette. Loving father of Charlie Navarrette, Martha Kathleen Navarrette, Sergio (Sana) Navarrette and Conrad (Kim) Navarrete. Dear grandfather of the late Michael Navarrette. Caring brother of the late George Navarrette, the late Joseph Navarrette and the late Gudalupe Villa. Ignacio will be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation Friday from 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Prayer Service 7:00 p.m. Sawyer Fuller Funeral Home 2125 12 Mile Rd. Berkley. Funeral Service, Saturday, Instate 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass 10:00 a.m. Guardian Angels Catholic Church 581 E. 14 Mile Rd. Clawson. Burial service with military honors will take place at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery, Southfield.

Diana

June 2, 2022

Happy birthday baby!! I hope we reunite soon

Diana

May 28, 2022

I wish you were here right now with me more than ever But I understand you´re finally in peace , fly high my angel See you soon

Diana

May 22, 2022

Diana

May 22, 2022

Diana

May 22, 2022

I miss you sooo much!!!! I love you baby boy! I hope we see each other soon Don´t worry I will always defend you until I die, I pray to God you´re in peace now

Lilly

May 22, 2022

Always with us

Maristela Mafei

May 22, 2022

Dear Michel, I met you through your father and I witnessed how loved and loved you were and how it transformed the lives of people around you. This leaves your family strong enough to carry your example of love and tolerance forward. Love u.

Dad

May 17, 2022

I am writing this in the Saloon of the Oyster Bar, one of your favorite haunts. Mr. Uchio sent a message early this morning, worried about my piece of mind as he and his wife Mieko remain torn over the death of their son many years ago, also at a young age. He explained that in Buddhism it is said people go to heaven to become disciples of Buddha after the "SAN-KAI-KI" (the third anniversary in the old Japanese way of counting, which is the second anniversary in modern Japan.) After the anniversary, there are sabbatical days for the deceased and the bereaved family. Hiromi wanted me to know that he and Mieko are always with us.

Diana

April 25, 2022

I think about you everyday, I miss you

Dad

March 2, 2022

I'm in Michigan. I keep thinking how much you enjoy being here. You are in everyone's heart.

Debbie

Planted Trees

Yamilette monroy

May 20, 2021

I miss you every day big bro forever in my heart

Jerrica

May 20, 2021

In the loving memory of Michael, someone who put others before himself, protected his loved ones and loved to laugh. Michael was hardworking, an awesome coworker, loving boyfriend and his presence is missed everyday. May we continue celebrating Michael’s life as he continues protecting his loved ones with his incredible energy.

Yami

May 19, 2021

I miss you everyday big broforever in my heart

Diana

May 19, 2021

Diana

May 18, 2021

Missing you everyday

Sergio Navarrette

May 18, 2021

Always in our thoughts & prayers. We love and miss you.

Love,
Sergio & Sana

LGVA

May 18, 2021

Always present

May 17, 2021

I love you other little brother. I think about you all the time.

Cathy Kroopf

May 17, 2021

My dear michael Losing you was difficult. Learning to live without you this year has been even harder. We love you so much! Your memory lives with us in our hearts. With love,

Charlie

May 17, 2021

No one is promised a full life.

Grace k diquattro

May 17, 2021

I am remembering my son today, the anniversary of his tragic death. I miss him every day and always feel the presence of his wonderful spirit. He is will always and forever live in my heart . I love you Michael
Your Mother "KIM"

Yan P

January 19, 2021

Michael and I went to Junior High together. He was hilarious and a pleasure to be around. Even as a boy, he was willing to stand up to a giant. I'll miss you and all whom we've lost too young

Magda Colares

September 11, 2020

Michael, você é amado por teus pais, namorada, familiares, amigos e pelo seu adorável dog... esse amor é eterno! Você estará sempre entre nós!
Magda Colares
Brazil

Ricardo Rinaldi

September 10, 2020

Meus sentimentos a família nesse momento tão delicado. Não tenho filhos, então não consigo imaginar a dor que sentem com uma perda como essas. Desejo que tenham sabedoria para que possam seguir em frente e que a paz e o amor conforte o coração de vocês.

Abraços do Brasil
________________________

My condolences to the family at this difficult time. I don't have children, so I can't imagine the pain they feel at a loss like that. I wish you have wisdom so that you can move forward and that peace and love comfort your hearts.

Regards from Brazil

Robin Huffman

August 20, 2020

My condolences to his family; I know he was the apple of his father's eye. What a sad, sad loss of a beautiful spirit.

Erin Carey

Planted Trees

Lilly Gavas Van Auken

June 26, 2020

Today, Friday 6/26/2020 signifies the 40 day period religious-wise has passed.
Unfortunately, EVERYONE stills feel shattered beyond belief by Michael's inexplainable loss for those who knew him.
Nevertheless, his spirit and mannerisms will always remain with us and live onto eternity of our own lifespans.....and we shall always retain our special memories with Michael......he will never be gone from within us.
Today, after 40 days may Michael truly Rest In Peace.

L&J
.

Stephen Golosky

June 25, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Lilly Gavas Van Auken

June 9, 2020

I cannot honor Michael's legacy without mentioning foremost that " he brought to life" and "lightened up every room" wherever he happened to be. He had a knack for catching people's attention, grasping immediately the essence of the conversation at hand.....but his infectious smile or half smile and quiet demeanor said it all always. Charlie, you instilled in him everything that really counts. Michael lives on in you.

Rita Berman

June 7, 2020

When Michael walked into work to see Charlie one day last year, I don't think that any of the teachers had ever had the pleasure of meeting him before. He was sitting at a table in the lounge with Charlie, and several teachers were there as well. I mentioned to Michael that he didn't much resemble his father. He agreed and said that he looked like his mom.

But within minutes, Michael had made a funny comment about something ( I wish I could remember what) but in any case, he had the whole room laughing. That's when we all realized that yes, indeed this was Charlie's son.

Miriam Monroy

June 6, 2020

Mi niño hermoso fuiste y serás siempre un ser muy especial para mi, gracias por tantas alegrías y satisfacciones que diste a mi vida. Tu vida fue tan corta, fuiste como una estrella fugaz y ahora nos dejas el brillo de tu luz. Hoy solo me queda tu recuerdo y los momentos vividos

Marise Gomes

June 6, 2020

Michael, conhecemos você através do amor do seu pai por você. Por suas lágrimas, ele sorri e até ri quando fala de você. Como você disse que a camisa dele fica melhor em você. Sua memória vive nele, e continuaremos amando vocês dois. Marise e Jack

Jack Levin

June 6, 2020

Michael, we know you through your Dad's love for you. Through his tears he smiles and even laughs when talking about you. How you said his shirt looks better on you. Your memory lives in him, and we will continue to love you both. Sua memória vive nele. E continuaremos amando vocês dois. Marise and Jack

Sergio Navarrette

June 2, 2020

Happy Birthday Michael. We love and miss you so much. We are so grateful we were able to spend time together a few months back with Michael before so sadly being taken from us way too soon. We will cherish those and all memories with Michael. May God look over Michael and all family and friends. Rest In Peace Michael.
God bless & Love you,
Uncle Sergio & Aunt Sana

Loretta Navarrette

Planted Trees

Lawrence Rolfo

Planted Trees

Ellie Rolfo

June 1, 2020

Your heart must be broken. We can't even fathom the pain you must feel. Michael was a flourishing soul, a young man with a promising future. When I met him I noticed how he looked at you, Charlie, and I sensed his pure love for you.
How admirable that at such a young age he was an organ donor. His heart made a difference in another young persons life. May the memories you cherish of him give you the comfort you need to continue through lifes journey. Life is short, and it was too short for Michael.
Love always,
Ellie and Family

Larry

June 1, 2020

This is so tragic there are no words that could comfort you so RIP Michael and try to get through although that is next to impossible

Celia apt.124

June 1, 2020

Dear Kim,
So sorry for your great loss. May your good memories of your son Michael bring you some comfort.

Giada Zecca

June 1, 2020

Coloro che amiamo e che abbiamo perduto non sono più dove erano, ma sono ovunque noi siamo.
Per la tua quiete

Robert L

June 1, 2020

Michael is my oldest, longest, most memorable friendship of my life. He was a brother to me. We were so alike in so many ways. I remember the first time I met Michael. It was second grade. My first day of school in Our Lady of Mercy. Michael was the person I was assigned to sit next to and in the first 15 minutes we were already in trouble and best friends.

From that day forward we would go on to share many great memories together. I remember we went on a lot of school trips and our parents would chaperone. I have very fond memories of Michael's mom being there caring for us. I remember the first time my mom chaperoned, Michael wanted my mom to remember him and because she mainly spoke Spanish, Michael would tell her his name is Miguel so she would remember him.

Michael and I loved sports. We played on the same soccer team one of our fondest memories from childhood. I won my first little league championship with Michael by my side as we were both defenders. Although we would probably never play again in a league the way we did, our love for soccer would carry on for years to come.

For many years Michael and I would walk home together from school and always stop at my house to eat. Michael loved food as much as I did and he never could say no to my mothers cooking. My mother saw him as another son she would always had to feed and she loved him for his kindness and respect towards her. He knew my mom was really strict and any punishment I would get he would get too, so he knew to always be careful so neither of us would get in trouble.

After elementary school, Michael and I went to the same junior high-School as well. It was a surreal feeling because no one from elementary school was in junior high-school with me but I always had Michael. Whether I needed someone to walk home with, someone to hangout with in the school yard, Michael was always for it. We both became fanatics for Dragonball- Z at the time as we spent hours and hours, weeks and weeks, just watching hundreds of episodes together. wed have sleepovers where we wouldnt sleep and would watch all night. It was one our greatest memories together.

Not realizing it at the time, after junior high, we ended up at the same high school as well. Its like our journey was meant to be spent together. We both went for the same reasons. We needed a different environment, new people to meet, a different mindset to find. But there was no joy like crossing paths with Michael time and time again.

In between all of these good times there were periods where Michael had to go away and I couldnt see him. Michael would find himself in situations he couldnt get himself out of. It was a stressful time for to me to see my close friend be places he didnt want to be, where he was limited contact with other people, where he wasnt his most happy self. But even then Michael didnt forget me. He would reach me when he could, call me and ask me about life, discussing what we would do when Id see him again, and every time he came back he would call me and say guess what, Im down the block from your house come out it was indescribable the joy, the relief that my friend was back home in one piece. It made me grateful to have him in my life.

Unfortunately this was a cycle for Michael. But 17 years of friendship Michael never forgot me. He never let the time that passed change our spirits and no matter how much time had passed, we were still the same old kids. Still loved soccer, still loved dragon ball-z, still loved food, still loved spending time with his friend.

One of the things Michael and I bonded the most over was a close friend we both lost when we were kids. Michael was away when it happened and I had to break the news to him. It devastated Michael. It hurt him in a way hes never been hurt. Our friends name was Vain. When Michael came back after it happened the first thing he wanted to do was visit his grave. we went together and feeling we both had at such a young age made us cherish each other and our friendship and over the years wed always go together to visit our friend. It was our thing. We tried our best to go twice year. On the day of his birthday and the day of his death. We did this for many years to come.

The final years of Michael's life were probably the hardest for me to bare now that hes gone. After all the loss of time, all the tragedies, Michael and I were men. We werent just kids thinking about the moment. We were grown, thinking about the future, love, careers, starting families, succeeding in life. We got into serious long term relationships, we went to college, devised plans for our careers and how we were going to get there, worked full-time jobs, got away from our childhood troubles, and we were happy with the paths we were on. It was an amazing feeling to know Michael and I have been together through so many stages of life and have overcome so much. It made our final moments that much sweeter. Michael and I spent the 4th of July together, we spent New Years and also the Super Bowl at my house doing what we love to do. Eat, drink, and spend quality time together. Michael and my girlfriend became great friends. Shes a natural born chef and for Michael anything she would make was gold. Every time she cooked he would ask if he could bring some home to his mom because of how good it was. He would share his memories with me from childhood, some I didnt even remember and he left the impression on her that he cared and loved me so much. She loved him for that and was her favorite friend that I had.

Michael was my best friend to the bitter end. There was no one else with the level of trust, respect and love I had for Michael. He was truly my brother. I cry for him because of how much I miss him and how painful it is to lose your childhood friend. I could always count on him whether I needed a favor, someone to tag along with me to run errands, a job for a friend, or simply someone to talk to. I could always count on Michael to be there no matter where he was. I feel like a piece of me is missing now that hes gone. We had such bright futures ahead of us, so many more memories to make and Im not sure how to go on.

Im gonna miss the talks, the walks, the laughs, the meals, the trips to visit our friend, the updates on the newest craziest anime, our bro moments talking about girls and how crazy they can be, the songs we grew up with listening together memorizing every word, the flashbacks to old times that only Michael could remember, and so much more.

I love you Michael. You are forever my brother and I hope you guide me and stay close to me when times are hard. I still need you and hope you hold me down as you always have. Our memories are endless and I may not remember them all or have you to remind me of them, but you will always be a part of me. You were a great friend, a beautiful soul, a crazy psycho at times, but always a brother. Although we are apart, which weve been before, I hope you greet me again the same way you always did. My last words to you were Ill see you when I see you. So until then Michael. Rest easy.

Your brother,

RL

ali jena

May 31, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Victoria Navarrette Hoerauf

May 31, 2020

We will always cherish the happy memories and the good times. Words cannot express how much we miss you. Goodbyes hurt the most when the story was not finished. We love you, Michael.
Love,
Connie, Tom, and Victoria

May 31, 2020

Rest in Paradise

Regina P

May 31, 2020

Sinto imensamente por esse acontecimento terrível que vocês estão passando. Não há palavras de conforto possíveis . Todo o meu carinho e minhas orações estão com vocês e especialmente com Michael . RIP Michael.

Charlie

May 31, 2020

Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven,
having some business, do entreat [his] eyes
to twinkle in their spheres.

Maristela Mafei

May 30, 2020

Michael a sua presença estará entre nós por toda a nossa vida, nós sempre vamos nos lembrar e reverenciar a sua memória. Sua breve passagem pela terra trouxe luz e um novo significado para a vida de todos que conviveram intensamente com voce, entre eles o seu pai, meu querido amigo Charles Navarreti. Sua presença será eterna. Com amor, Maristela

Aunt Cathy

May 30, 2020

Our Dear Michael loved family, fun, life and most of all: FOOD. Your parents adored you and were so proud of your recent accomplishments. Tragically, your life ended too soon for all of us. I will miss you. I know you are with Abuelita enjoying fideo and enchiladas. Que Dios te bendiga.

Maria claudia mafei

May 30, 2020

Filho de um Pai maravilhoso! Tenho certeza que o planeta perdeu um Ser Humano increvel!!!
Que o Universo se beneficie de sua presença! Que as estrelas se sintam iluminadas por seu brilho!

Gayle Owens

May 30, 2020

To Michaelss family and friends, I hope that in your profound grief you can remember how glad you are to have had Michael in your lives for 22 years. Certainly, you would wish for just one more decade, one more year, one more day and even one more minute. I guess you have to try to content yourself, somehow, with those 22 years. You and Michael are in my thoughts.

isabel Chacra

May 30, 2020

Charles sinto muito pelo ocorrido. É muito triste perder um filho
Estou rezando para Deus lhe dar forças para superar tão imensa dor
Conte com nossa solidariedade
Seu filho permanecerá vivo em suas lembranças em seu coração

Jaci Mafei

May 30, 2020

Eu não o conheci fisicamente, mas esse olhar doce e carinhoso posso dizer que foi uma pessoa muito querida e amado por todos. Me apeguei nesse sorrisso simpatico!

Ana Lucia Quintaes

May 30, 2020

Oi Michael, a juventude é uma das melhores coisas da vida... E você pode vivê -la com toda as suas alegrias, amigos e família... E se foi levando ela pra eternidade! Seja feliz esteja onde estiver.... Um grande beijo de uma amiga do seu pai apesar de nunca nos termos visto! Fique em paz!

Regina Martelli

May 30, 2020

Eu deixo aqui o meu carinho e o abraço solidário à dor da família, especialmente para o meu muito querido amigo Charlie, pai amoroso e que se orgulhava tanto do filho Michael, e para a tia, a doce Cathy.
Michael está agora ao lado de Deus, cercado pelos anjos e encantando a todos lá em cima com a sua inteligência, a sua energia e seu brilho. RIP

May 30, 2020

Michael

.

Conrad and Kimberly Navarrette (Charleston, SC)

May 30, 2020

We were so proud of you Michael for going to school to become a nurse. We are so glad we got to meet Diana and see you so happy. Rest In Peace Michael. Love Uncle Conrad and Kimberly Navarrette

Hiromi & Mieko Uchio

May 30, 2020

We grieve to learn of your too young death, Michael. Too young. We remember very cute baby, good boy came to our house in Scarsdale, the memory that we gathered and enjoyed the chicken meal at
Sylvias Restaurant in Harlem.
Please rest in peace.

Mieko HiromiUCHIO

May 30, 2020

We grieve to learn of your too young death.Too young, Michael. We remember very cute baby, good boy came to our house in Scarsdale,
the memory that we gathered and enjoyed the chichen meal at Sylvia's Restaurant in Harlem. Please rest in peace.

Keith

May 29, 2020

Michael you will be missed more than words can describe. Your heart was bigger than anyone really new . It takes a big person to donate their organs and for a 21 year old to make such a decision like that shows us that you were a special young man and God only knows what a wonderful adult you would have become. May God bless you and your Mom and Dad
With all my heart
Keith

Mila Moreira

May 29, 2020

Querido Michael, muito conheci de você atraves de seu pai Charles, aprendi que você era um lindo e feliz jovem que ele adorava, sinto muito que você tenha partido tão jovem, vá com Deus meu querido, seu pai será confortado pelos amigos que o amam muito. Descanse em paz.

William Fulton

May 29, 2020

God bless you all in this deeply sad time. So many friends, including me, are thinking of you.

Cristina

May 29, 2020

Buon viaggio Michael e che la terra ti sia lieve.

Karina Sapozhnikova

May 29, 2020

Michael was a silly and expressive guy that always loved to smile. All he wanted was happiness and to spread love after all hes been through. He is watching over his loved ones now and making sure everyone is okay with his caring soul. Ill forever remember Michaels unique energy.

John Cumings

May 29, 2020

I read this obituary after noticing the dates of Michael's tragically short life. In addition to sending my condolences, I just wanted to express how sensitively and beautifully written the obit was.

Yamilette Monroy

May 29, 2020

Michael was an amazing person. I will hold him in my heart forever. He always did things to make sure I was okay and he always cared for me like a little sister. I love you big brother ♥

Erika Arias

May 28, 2020

Mi Italo hermoso siempre te recordaré mi niño.. Gracias por amar a mi familia eres y serás siempre un ángel Especial, siempre Brillaras en nuestro corazón ♥ voy a extrañar tus mensajes y tus videos que compartias con mi amada sobrina Diana quien siempre te va a Amar y guardar en su corazón!! ABRAZOS hasta el cielo mi niño lindo!! DIOS BENDIGA Y FORTALEZCA A TU FAMILIA MI NIÑO!!