PORTLAND – Frank J. Navarro, 76, of Portland passed away on June 24, 2024 with loving family members by his side. A lifelong resident of Portland, Frank was the oldest of five children born to Rocco R. Navarro and Mary (Troiano) of Portland.

At a young age, Frank developed a love for sports which lasted his whole life. Starting with hitting home runs for the PAL’s Little League to leading the Telegram League in hitting or competing for the shot–put record for Portland High School, his strength and speed stood out. He excelled at every sport, making touchdown runs for the Griffin Club and running down opposing quarterbacks for the McDonagh Club in the Portland Recreational Touch League.

After college, Frank was involved in various local business endeavors, most notably, founding the infamous, Ruski’s Tavern in Portland’s West End. At the age of 28, he embarked on his 40-year career with the Portland Fire Department.

Frank loved all things health and fitness. Passionate about strength training, he entered the world of kettlebells, competing internationally. After retirement, he earned several physical fitness certifications to become a personal trainer.

Frank liked to keep busy, but also enjoyed reading the paper on the Eastern Promenade, sharing coffee and donuts with friends, relaxing with his cats, and cheering on the Portland Bulldogs. He never missed an event or game when it came to his kids and was happiest when he was with his children and grandchildren.

Frank is survived by his wife of 22 years, Jessica; and his children Rocco, Joey; and Amy and her wife Rachael, and their children Tatum and Stevie. He is also survived by a sister, Mary and husband John; a sister Lisa and husband Danny and son Alec; cousin, Joseph Pio and wife Cathy; cousin Candy Risbara; niece Farrah Macy; nephew Al Macy and wife Nicole and daughter Toni.

Frank was predeceased by his parents; brother, Pasquale and sister, Toni Macy and her husband Al.

Frank will be greatly missed and has left lasting impressions on all who knew him. He had a closely knit circle of lifelong friends by whom he will always be remembered fondly as Frankie Navarro: “The Legend of Munjoy Hill”.

Friends and family are invited to attend services for “the Man, the Myth, the Legend” on Friday, July 5, with visiting hours from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and a prayer service at 1 p.m. at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Ave., Portland, followed by a Celebration of Life from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Italian Heritage Center, 40 Westland Ave., Portland.

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