George Donald Navadel

George D. Navadel passed away on 9 December 2025, leaving behind a legacy of honor, service,
devotion, and love that spans family, faith, and country. He is survived by the love of his life,
Lori, his wife and partner of more than 60 extraordinary years, a marriage defined by
unwavering commitment, shared adventure, mutual respect, and deep affection. Together they
built a life anchored in faith, family, and purpose.
     George is also survived by their children, George, Stacy, Stephen, David, and Helen; eight
grandchildren, Michael, Lorilee, Sean, George Max, Christian, Alyssa, Savana, and David; and
two great-grandchildren, Annabelle and Johnathan. He is also survived by his beloved brother,
John J. Navadel, with whom he shared a lifelong and close relationship marked by near-weekly
phone calls, mutual respect, and enduring brotherhood. To them, he was not only a patriarch, but
a teacher, protector, storyteller, and constant presence—a father and grandfather whose quiet
strength, humility, and steady guidance shaped lives across generations.
    From an early age, George embodied discipline, humility, and quiet determination. Educated at
Saint Joseph’s Collegiate Institute in Buffalo, he worked his way through school with resolve
and ingenuity—serving lunches, cleaning classrooms, painting houses, and running snack
counters—never seeking advantage, only opportunity. A devoted student and athlete, he
balanced academics, football, and track while supporting himself financially, earning respect
through effort rather than ease. Those who truly knew him recognized his leadership long before
titles followed; to his surprise, he was elected Senior Class President and later awarded a four-
year NROTC scholarship to the University of Notre Dame. It was during those formative years
that George revealed the qualities that would define his life: resilience without complaint,
leadership without arrogance.
     Born on 22 July 1936 in Buffalo, New York, George graduated from the University of Notre
Dame in 1958 and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps,
embarking on a 30-year career that culminated in the rank of Colonel. Early in his career, he
served at Marine Barracks, 8th & I, including duty as an aide in support of President John F.
Kennedy, an assignment reflecting exceptional trust, professionalism, and discretion. He later
served two combat tours in Vietnam and held numerous command and leadership positions
across the Corps, including Regimental Commander, 1st Marine Regiment; Commanding
Officer, Marine Barracks/Ground Defense Force, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; and Battalion
     Commander, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, among many others.
George was a Marine’s Marine—a leader whose authority came not from rank alone, but from
character, competence, and care for those he led. He demanded excellence, shared hardship, and
never asked of his Marines what he was unwilling to give himself. His decorations reflect valor
and sustained excellence, including the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars with “V”, Legion of Merit,
Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, National
Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Commendation Medal,
Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Armed Forces Parachutist Badge. Yet those who served
with him knew that his greatest pride was not in medals, but in the Marines who walked away
stronger, more confident, and better prepared for life because of his leadership.

     At the heart of George’s life was his devotion to Lori. Their marriage was a true
partnership—one of shared adventure, laughter, faith, and resilience. Wherever duty or
opportunity took them, they built a home rooted in warmth and welcome. Together they
cultivated family traditions centered on time together, often on the water, where fishing became
less about the catch and more about presence, patience, and connection. Over the years, those
moments expanded from quiet outings to multi-generational adventures filled with storytelling,
humor, and joy. George took great pride in watching his children and grandchildren discover the
same love for family, nature, and perseverance—always happiest when everyone was together
and asking what came next.
     After retiring from the Marine Corps, George began a second career with Pacifica Services,
where he wrote bid proposals and managed major projects, including work supporting the
Rebuild LA efforts and serving as Project Manager at Plant 42 in Palmdale, California. He later
dedicated nearly two decades to education as a substitute teacher at Rancho Buena Vista High
School, where he taught math and sciences, supported cross-country meets as a track clerk, and
participated in the Ranch Revues. Known for wearing ties matching the subject of the day, “Mr.
Navadel” approached teaching with the same preparation, pride, and care that defined his
military service. He believed deeply in young people and took genuine joy in their growth and
success.
     George was also the author of A Rifle Company’s Tail, India 3/9. More than a combat history,
the book stands as a testament to his lifelong belief in service before self. Its dedication
embodies the principle by which he lived:
     This work is dedicated to those who gave of themselves—completely and without
reservation—for others. To the Marines and Corpsmen who stood shoulder to shoulder in the
hardest moments, to those who paid the ultimate price, and to those who returned home forever
changed. It honors not only acts of recognized valor, but also the countless quiet acts of courage,
loyalty, and sacrifice that were never recorded and never sought recognition. Above all, it is
dedicated to the families who bore the weight of that service, and to the enduring bond among
those who serve something greater than themselves.
     That sentiment defined George’s life. Whether as a Marine, husband, father, teacher, or friend,
he lived for others—steadfast, principled, and selfless. He was a man of faith and a devoted
member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church, carrying his values into every role he assumed.
George D. Navadel leaves behind far more than memories. He leaves a standard. A model of
leadership grounded in humility. A vision of marriage rooted in devotion. A legacy of fatherhood
defined by presence, patience, and love. He was the kind of man others aspire to be—and the
kind of father and husband all hope to emulate.
     George will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Rancho Buena Vista High
School Baseball Team. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/in-honor-of-george-navadels-contributions-to-the-community

Silver Star write up https: //valor.militarytimes.com/recipient/recipient-40866/
RBV Retirement video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCeKEqA9b_8
Vista Heroes   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcB2JJc22XA
George D. Navadel Online Tribute www.online-tribute.com/GeorgeDNavadel

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George Donald Navadel, please visit our floral store.