Gilberto Nava Obituary

Gilberto "Beto" Nava

Gilberto "Beto" Nava, 92, of Tiffin, was welcomed into the arms of many loved ones as he passed away peacefully Sunday morning, March 3, 2024, at his home of 55 years.

He was born April 20, 1931, in Cameron, Texas, to Manuela (Guzman) and Juvencio Nava.

He married the beautiful Amelia Almendarez on Dec. 31, 1947. He promised her father he would love Amelia, honor her, and always care for her, and he did just that. As a young couple, they traveled from Texas to make Ohio their home, eventually settling down in Bettsville and Tiffin.

In 1955, Gilberto and Amelia declared their love again with a second wedding ceremony at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Tiffin, and renewed their vows of holy matrimony at St Joseph Catholic Church for their 40th anniversary. Their anniversary was blessed again for their 70th and 75th by Bishop Thomas.

Gilberto was blessed to have a large family having 14 children, 13 daughters and one son. He truly was a family man, a man of strong faith, and a God Father or "Padrino" to many. His family grew as grandchildren came along. With each addition, a special name was given to each child and grandchild.

Beto was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He once said he wanted 100 grandchildren, making his family laugh with his subtle sense of humor.

Beto's survivors include his wife of 76 years, Amelia Nava; 11 daughters, Amelia "Molly" (Guillermo) Carreon of Cleveland, Mari Pennycuff of Tiffin, Esther Guerrero of Findlay, and Manuela "Nellie" Nava, Sally (Craig) Stinchcomb, Nancy (Jeff) Nava-Wade, Effie Meisner, Louella (Ron) Nava-Porter, Miquela "Mikki" Clancy, Evalina (Roger) Sours, and Corinna Nava, all of Tiffin; 30 grandchildren, Martin, Guillermo, Christina, Danny, Lee, Bernabe "Bernie" Juvencio, Erasmo Jr., Mari Esther, Charro, Gilbert, D'Angelo, Mandy, Charlotte, Mylan, DeNel, Aimee, Terese, James Gilbert, Jonathan, Karina, Tyler, Jill, Lauren, Jamie, Elisia, Selina, Kyle, Kendall, Tessa, and Monica; sisters, Inez Cardenez, Modesta Nava, Genny Harville, Flora Nava, Manuela Nava, Yolanda Olvera, Julia Nava, Janie Mendivil, Delia Nava, and Sylvia Woodward; brothers, Steve Nava, Juvencio Jr. Nava, Rick Nava, and Paul Nava; 61 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren. The day before Beto's passing, he was blessed with the arrival of his 105th grandchild, Emersyn.

Beto was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Genoveva Nava; infant twin daughters, Maria and Guadalupe; only son, Gilbert Lloyd; son-in-law, Erasmo Guerrero; brothers, Serapio Nava, Julian Nava, Gabriel Nava, Felix Nava, and Tacho Nava; sisters, Angie Rivera, Josie Gomez-Garcia, and Ana Teresa Nava; and three newborn great-great-grandchildren.

Gilberto was a hard worker and his hands were the proof. He was extremely skilled in casting and molding. He dedicated his skills to Zoller Casting Co. in Bettsville as a long-time employee. He later worked for Heinz in Fremont, Tiffin Moyer Brass Foundry, and eventually retired from Tiffin Hayes Albion. He enjoyed working on cars from a very young age. He also had a passion for going to Spanish Dances and listening to Mexican music. His favorite past time was sitting on the porch with his Bugler tobacco and rolling his own cigarettes after stopping at the Pit Stop for Ohio Lottery instant tickets. Gilberto was an outdoor guy and could often be found working in his yard. He took great pride in his Nava family park, "El Rancho." The family previously lived on this property in the 60's until a house fire destroyed their home, which he then created space for family gatherings. During that house fire, Gilberto made sure the family was out of the house. He was a hero who made years of wonderful memories for his family. He will be greatly missed. "Dios Lo Quido" and God will continue to take care of him.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 8, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will be at St Joseph Catholic Cemetery immediately following the service. Beto's celebration of life will be planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.shookfamilyfh.com.