Anthony Joseph Navarro's Obituary
Anthony “Babe” Joseph Navarro passed away peacefully on June 22, 2020, in Houston Texas surrounded by his loving family. Anthony was born on August 10, 1934 to Mary Lombardo Navarro and Anthony Peter Navarro. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother Peter Navarro, sister Rosetta Raia, and son Mark Simon.
Anthony was a native Houstonian that led an incredible life as an athlete, entertainer, restaurant owner, and entrepreneur. He graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1953 where he played varsity baseball all four years and led the city in hitting for 3 of those years. He was often referred to by his coach and mentor, Father Wilson, as his “little hall of famer and my rugged catcher”. He was offered a baseball scholarship to play at the prestigious University, Notre Dame, but chose to stay in his hometown and play for Rice University where he received the first full scholarship to play baseball in the history of the University. He was invited to attend spring training with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1956 but his career was cut short by an automobile accident. However, his love of sports and athletic prowess led him to pursue his true passion, the game of golf. His continued quest to find the one true golf swing became the inspiration for the award-winning movie “The Man with the Perfect Swing” and can be explored on his website babenavarrogolf.com
Anthony can be credited with many firsts for the city of Houston. He opened numerous area restaurants including Le Fin, Nino’s, and Baby’s Italian Sausage Factory to name a few, but will surely be remembered for the opening of The Act III in the 1960’s. An after-hours nightclub The Act III featured the house band starring Kenny Rogers, from whom he initially obtained the club, and an eye-opening go-go plexiglass dancing cage visible from main street.
Anthony’s good looks, innate charm and sophistication, along with his sense of humor enabled him to live a life that many aspire to, but few achieve. He trained with one of the area’s most sought after hairdressers, Louis Galmiche, opened a hair salon and was a highly sought-after stylist but soon decided to reach for a life in entertainment. With the spirit of a true entertainer he left Houston for Los Angeles and embarked on a career in comedy. It was there with his comedic partner, Charles Gabriele, that they landed a gig touring the Playboy circuit during the heyday of the Playboy enterprise. While in Los Angeles he met and became a close personal friend and co-worker of Mike Callie, film producer and entrepreneur, which prompted a move to the exciting and wonderful town of Palm Springs. Over the years they worked together on some notably successful entertainment venues, including, The Laff Stop and Magic Island.
After he retired he was able to spend time with his loving wife and partner and their two gorgeous Airedales, Duke and Baby, on the beautiful island of Oahu, golfing and exploring the beautiful white sand beaches, incredible food and low stress lifestyle.
But his final years were spent here in his hometown close to family and friends enjoying a laid-back lifestyle, continuing his quest for perfecting the golf swing, and mentoring those who sought his counsel.
He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Catherine Jannise Navarro, his daughter Lisabeth Jones, his son Anthony Lefferts, his stepson Chad Elrod, grandchildren Morgan and Austin Simon, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Due to the current environment there is no date for a memorial service, however at present tentative plans for a funeral mass are in progress and every attempt will be made to contact his many friends when that date is determined.
In lieu of flowers the family invites you to consider making gift donations to the charity of your choice. Finally, Babe Navarro will be appearing this Friday and every Friday thereafter in Heaven.
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