John C. Naveaux

Click on the tribute wall above to view JOhn's video tribute. John Charles Naveaux, age 63 of Monroe, passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at his home. Born December 24, 1957 in Monroe, John was the son of Herbert and Helen (Krueger) Naveaux. John attended Zion Lutheran and Jefferson Schools where he was active in football, basketball and baseball. After graduating in 1976 he attended Grand Valley State University and played college baseball his freshman year. He later transferred to Eastern Michigan University receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education, Social Sciences and History. He was hired by Jefferson Schools, where he taught History and Social Studies for 38 years, retiring in 2019. While working at Jefferson John coached football for more than 30 years and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2013. In addition, over the years he coached high school boys and girls basketball, baseball, girls soccer and boys golf. John also coached his children’s youth baseball, soccer and softball teams. John was also employed by Frenchtown Township as their Tot-lot Director for more than 30 years. Over this time he also spent some years running the Frenchtown youth baseball and basketball leagues. John also served many years as a member of the Frenchtown Recreation Commission. John married Laura Petrangelo on April 29, 1983 and although they divorced in 2019, they remained friends. They were blessed with two children; Benjamin and Olivia whom he dearly loved. In his spare time John enjoyed attending and watching sporting events, golfing and reading history. He was a diehard Jefferson Bears and University of Michigan fan. In his younger days he played adult recreation baseball, softball and basketball. John touched many lives through his teaching, coaching and mentorships. He had a great smile and an infectious laugh. John will long be remembered for his easy going manner, sense of humor and kind heart. John leaves to cherish his memory his children: Benjamin Naveaux of Vancouver, B.C. and Olivia Naveaux of Ypsilanti; his ex-wife Laura Naveaux; siblings: Barbara (Robert) Scoles, and Gary (Lynn) Naveaux; ex-brothers and sisters-in-laws: James (Kathy) Petrangelo and Tom (Michelle) Petrangelo, as well as nieces and nephews: Geoff (Jill) Petrangelo, Amy (Kenny) McBee, Nalani Petrangelo, Morgan Petrangelo, Rylie Petrangelo, Trisha Krager, Robert (Sue) Scoles and Josh Scoles, Tara (R.J.) Hunt and 9 great nieces and great nephews. Sadly he was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law Albert and Delores Petrangelo and brother-in-law Mark Petrangelo. Memorials may be made in John’s name to the Community Foundation of Monroe County.