Angel Camilo Navedo, Sr.

Angel Camilo Navedo, Sr., 82, of Worcester, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by loved ones, after a long illness.

Born in Ciales, Puerto Rico, on September 6, 1941, to Pio and Maria (Torres) Navedo, Angel attended Dr. Rafael Lopez Landron High School in Guayama, Puerto Rico, graduating in 1959. He then pursued higher education at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, earning a degree in Education in 1962. Angel began his career as a schoolteacher in Guayama from 1962 to 1967. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam Era from 1967 to 1969. Following his service, he moved to Clinton, Massachusetts, and worked at Colonial Press. In 1979, he earned a master's degree in Guidance Counseling from Worcester State University and briefly served as Vice Mayor of Guayama in 1980-1981.

Mr. Navedo worked at Worcester Vocational High School for 24 years, where he was one of the first Spanish-speaking guidance counselors.   His impact on his students is still felt today, with many attributing their academic successes to his commitment to seeing them graduate. He was also the proud recipient of several perfect attendance awards throughout his career. 

His impact on the community didn’t stop there.  In 1970, he founded the Happy Friends Club, Inc., in Clinton, a community-focused organization dedicated to fostering deep bonds of friendship and brotherhood to promote peace and enhance the well-being of the community.  In 1989, he founded a Worcester Chapter which continued the same mission.  Mr. Navedo was recognized for his efforts in organizing regular interchanges with various cities throughout Massachusetts and Puerto Rico where they would join together to play softball and celebrate cultural traditions and meals together. In 1992, Navedo re-established and incorporated the Roberto Clemente Softball League where teams and their families would join together at the Great Brook Valley baseball field known today as the Roberto Clemente Baseball Field off of East Mountain Street in Worcester.

For decades, he operated a small tax and bookkeeping business focused on helping local Latino businesses and individuals strive with diligence and expertise.   He was just as committed to his clients as he was with his students.  Staying true to his values, he never missed a day's work.   

Angel was a devoted family man who relished every moment spent with his loved ones, especially his grandchildren, who filled his life and heart with endless joy and laughter. As a true Boston Red Sox fan and season ticket holder, Fenway Park was his pastime.  Known to be accompanied by an ice-cold Coors Light and surrounded by friends and family, he created lasting memories that will forever hold a special place in the hearts of many.  

“Papi” as many called him is survived by his beloved children, Laura Allain of Marshfield; Angel C. Navedo, Jr., and his wife Jessica of Redondo Beach, California; Olga Daisy Navedo of Worcester; and David Ramirez; his adored grandchildren, Nina Angel Allain, Solimar Milagros Rivera, Eve Irene Allain, Camilo Jose Rivera, Juliana Maria Navedo, and Sienna Joan Navedo; his dear siblings, Nilda Navedo-Blondet and Leyla Navedo-Bermudez; his former wife and dear friend of over 50 years, Maria Alma (Diaz) Navedo; his son-in-law, Gerald Allain and many nieces and nephews.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Worcester and Brookhaven Hospice for their compassionate care during Angel’s illness. The care provided went beyond mere treatment, becoming an integral part of the Navedo family, offering not only support but also genuine companionship and compassion. Your dedication made a profound difference during a difficult time, and we will always hold a special place in our hearts for each of you as we know he has left the same impact on all of you.  

A period of Calling Hours will be held Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. A funeral service will begin at 10:30 am with interment immediately following at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.