Mario Paul Navetta, 81, of Fords, passed away on Monday, October 3, 2022.

Mario was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY to the late Anthony Navetta and Rosaria Navetta (nee Ficalora). After graduating Boys High School in Brooklyn, he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration at Pace University, and then certifications in English, history, and business at Jersey City State College (now New Jersey City University).

He began his career in education as a teacher at Lincoln High School in Jersey City, and later taught at Dickinson High School in Jersey City before his retirement.

Mario had a love for Drum and Bugle Corps, marching with several, including the Our Lady of Loretto Knights of NY and the Hawthorne Caballeros of Hawthorne, NJ. He wrote articles and stories for various Drum and Bugle Corps publications under the name "Brooklyn Mario."

Mario also had a passion for music, film, photography, and embracing a multitude of cultures. He respected everyone and was known to have a strong desire to learn about different cultures around the world. He was an active member of St. Nicholas Parish in Jersey City, serving as the president of the Parish Council and the Home and School Association. His cultural awareness and love for education created a safe space in his classroom for all his students. He created the curriculum for teaching Puerto Rican culture and history at Lincoln High School and started Lincoln's ASPIRA club.

He is survived by his devoted wife of over 49 years, Judith Navetta (nee Ulaubick); his daughter Jean-Marie Navetta and daughter-in-law Jude Medeiros; his son, Christopher Navetta; his brother, Peter Navetta; his sister, Rose Gallagher and her husband, Lawrence; along with nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and many extended relatives and close friends.

Cremation will be held privately. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made in Mario's memory to The Dominican Sisters of Hope (ophope.org) and PFLAG (pflag.org).

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Avenue Fords, NJ 08863.