Juan A. Navedo, lovingly known as Johnny/ Pa age 78, of Norton, passed away unexpectedly, surrounded by his loving family on Friday, May 1, 2026 at the Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston. He was the beloved husband of Carol A. (Ribeiro) Navedo, to whom he was wed for over fifty-one years.
Born in Ciales, Puerto Rico on May 6, 1947, he was a loving son of the late Joaquìn Navedo Garcia and the late Candida R. Montijo (Batista).
In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his devoted and adoring children, Jennifer M. Barba and her husband Scott of Taunton, Lorie A. LeTellier and her husband Michael of Westfield, David J. Navedo of Brockton and Michael J. Navedo and his wife Jacqueline of Worcester. He was the cherished and proud grandfather of Alexis LeTellier, Michael LeTellier, Christopher Barba, Mason LeTellier and Anthony Barba. He was the dear brother of Marta Navedo and her husband Ismael of Boston, Naida Navedo of Pennsylvania and Milagros Navedo of Mississippi. He was the much-loved son-in-law of John J. Ribeiro of Norton and the late Hilda Ribeiro. He is also survived by his loving nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as numerous devoted friends/ hermanos.
Johnny was born in Ciales, Puerto Rico, where his strong roots, lifelong pride, and enduring love for community first took hold. He was a 1965 graduate of Escuela Superior Juan Ríos Serpa and carried the values of his hometown with him throughout his life.
In his youth, Johnny was a Boy Scout, an avid volleyball player, and a standout athlete. Standing 6’3”, he was an All Star Varsity basketball player who competed in tournaments across the island, playing among Puerto Rican legends and even drawing the attention of scouts. His future was bright when, in the early 1970s, he moved to Boston to join his family.
It was there—guided by his mother’s encouragement to visit the hospital “to meet a nurse”—that fate intervened. At Boston University Hospital, Johnny met Carol. He was her patient; she was his nurse. A simple ‘rub back’ began a love story that would span decades. Together they built a beautiful life, raising four children and establishing their home in Norton, MA, where Johnny lived for more than fifty years.
Johnny devoted over 50 years of service to Rockwell Automation, where he worked as a Security Captain. Despite his success, he never forgot where he came from. Each year, he made it a point to celebrate his birthday back home in Ciales, surrounded by his hermanos and family. He was deeply proud of his humble beginnings and consistently looked for ways to give back to his town and its people. He lived with an open hand and an open heart, always putting others before himself.
A man of few words, Johnny was known for his generosity, loyalty, and unwavering heart. He organized Cialeños Ausentes, honoring exemplary mothers and fathers from his hometown, and supported countless celebrations throughout the years. Celebration was part of who he was—if there was a reason to gather, Johnny would make it a party, complete with great music and delicious food. He was always the first to arrive and the last to leave.
Johnny cherished family gatherings, often hosting them simply for the joy of being together. His love extended beyond family and music to boxing, where many memorable fight nights were hosted in La Voz—the sanctuary he built for sharing life with those he loved. Named in honor of his idol and friend, Felipe “La Voz” Rodríguez, La Voz was always alive with laughter, sports, conversation, and celebration.
Always behind the camera, Johnny captured countless special moments—sometimes even creating them just for others to enjoy. Hours upon hours were spent in La Voz watching his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, concerts, boxing matches, basketball, super bowls and especially Yankees games.
As Abuelo, he never missed an opportunity to celebrate. His grandchildren lovingly remember hanging out downstairs—eating his famous pastelillos or carne mechada, discovering something new each visit, hearing the coquito bell, playing instruments, and enjoying time together. He was infamous for his random trivia calls, where winners might earn cash or even a trip back to their hometown—his grandchildren will dearly miss. Johnny was a man of tradition, Christmas, Three Kings and New Year's were among his favorite all celebrated in La Voz, with the music blaring, coquito flowing and Felipe's Show de las 12 on repeat, never wanting the night to end -- 'La Voz nunca cierra'.
Johnny lived a life rooted in gratitude. Family always came first, followed closely by the well being of the people of Ciales. His faith ran deep and quietly guided his life.
Johnny leaves behind a legacy of love, celebration, service, and unwavering devotion to family and community. He will be missed and forever remembered.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, May 12th from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at the Norton Memorial Funeral Home, 19 Clapp Street (Off Route 140, Taunton Avenue) Norton.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 13th at 11:00 A.M. in Saint Mary’s Church, 1 Power Street, Norton. Burial will be held privately at a later date at the Newland Cemetery in Norton followed by a celebration of life in Ciales, Puerto Rico during the summer.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Juan’s memory to Saint Mary’s Church, 1 Power Street, Norton, MA 02766.
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.nortonmemorial.com