Zachary Irving Navo

Zachary Irving Navo, lovingly known as Zak, was born May 11, 1983, in Visalia, California. On August 18th, 2025, surrounded by family and love, he left this world far too soon, leaving behind a legacy of strength, kindness, devotion, and faith. From the start, Zak lived with boundless energy and purpose. He attended George McCann Memorial Catholic School in Visalia, CA from kindergarten through eighth grade, where he threw himself into every opportunity-sports, science projects, poetry recitals, altar service, and even the bell choir. At Redwood High School, he discovered the sport that became his lifelong passion: golf. He earned a varsity letter all four years and left his mark on the course not just with his powerful swing, but with his loyalty and brotherhood to his teammates. Yet when his high school years ended, Zak was searching for a greater purpose. Golf had shaped him, but it did not define him. Inspired by his father Mark, and his Uncle Kenny-a WWII and Korea veteran Zak deeply admired-he chose to follow in their footsteps and serve his country. After the events of 9/11, he proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Zak's service reflected both his courage and his relentless drive to challenge himself. He graduated from MCRD and Camp Pendleton, qualified for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense, and became an instructor in chemical agent handling. Always seeking greater challenges, he later earned a coveted position as a Marine Corps Security Guard, serving as an "Embassy Marine." In that role, he protected U.S. embassies, classified information, and dignitaries, including Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, Donald Rumsfeld, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and President George W. Bush. Over five years of service, Zak rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Among his peers, he was nicknamed the "Silverback"-a testament to his strength, toughness, and ability to stand his ground. He traveled the world as a Marine, living across Asia and Africa, serving in countless countries. Though offered classified positions in Washington, D.C., and South America, Zak's heart called him back home to Visalia. There, he followed in his father's footsteps, briefly working alongside him at Allstate Insurance Agency before founding Navo Financial, Inc. in 2010. As in all things, Zak poured his heart into building his business. His Marine discipline fueled his work ethic, and he worked late into the night to grow relationships and master entrepreneurship. By 2011, he had earned the Veteran Owned Business Award in Fresno. Later, he expanded his work by founding Element Security in 2017, offering his expert security protection services throughout California. Those that worked with Zak also know how much passion he had for the "!" and ALL CAPS in his emails at 4:30am. It was only recently that Zak was made aware that he was screaming at everyone via email. Zak would go on to meet his soulmate, Tina Slenders, they married on April 16, 2016, in Fresno, CA. Their love began as a friendship and grew into a bond rooted in loyalty, commitment, and joy. He was beyond kind and loving to Tina, on most days she got a note somewhere in the house saying, "I love you". Together they welcomed two daughters: Teddi Grace in 2018 and Rozlyn Taylor in 2020. Fatherhood gave Zak a new mission in life-one he cherished above all others. The Marine who had once stood guard at embassies across the world was now arriving home each day to the precious, but very loud voices of two little girls yelling "Daaaaddd" and then jumping into his arms. Weekends for Zak and his girls were all about backyard pool time, trips to In N Out Burger while rocking out to their favorite playlists, attending mass, getting donuts, and stopping by the Visalia County Club to practice their swings and feed the ducks. Zak was a true lover of life; he was kind, generous, hardworking, Catholic, and a dedicated family man. He was one of a kind. Zak will never be forgotten but forever remembered and missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Zak's legacy is carried on by his beloved wife Tina, their daughters Teddi and Rozlyn, his parents Mark & Rebecca Navo, brothers Mark Navo Jr (Diana), Matthew (Tylee) Navo, Max (Isabell) Navo, sister Chantal (Christian) Navo-Diaz, sister-in-law's Stephanie (Reid) Parichan, and Gina (Michael) Titus and many other great family and dear friends. May we always remember him as God has remembered. Semper Fi. Services Visitation: Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Salser & Dillard Life Event Center, 135 E. Caldwell Ave. Rosary: 6:00-7:00 p.m. following visitation. Funeral Mass: Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 608 N. Church Street. Graveside Burial: 2:00-3:00 p.m. at Visalia District Cemetery, 1300 W. Goshen Ave. The family invites all who knew Zak to share their memories, stories, and messages of love, so that his spirit may continue to shine through the lives he touched, and his young daughters will have a special gift to cherish in the years ahead. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Zachary Irving Navo

May 11, 1983 - August 18, 2025