Victor Navarra, the retired New York City firefighter who was the start coordinator of the ING New York City Marathon for 25 years, died this morning after being in a coma for two days. He was 56 and had suffered from cancer which had begun in his sinuses.
"The more someone gives in life, the harder it is to lose them," said ING New York City Marathon race director, Mary Wittenberg, in a prepared statement. "Vic was a giver. In every way. Of his time, energy, emotions and passions."
Although he was retired, Navarra volunteered to work at Ground Zero after the attacks of 9/11 in 2001, spending long hours on "the pile" as the rescue workers called the massive heap of rubble left after the World Trade Center was brought down. In 2005 he was diagnosed with malignant tumors adjacent to his sinuses. Efforts to eradicate the cancer failed, and Navarra's health was failing in the lead-up to this year's marathon. Nonetheless, he was still engaged in the planning process and was still at the start of the race despite losing his eyesight to the cancer.
"Vic was a gentle giant in life as well as in our sport," said former ING New York City Marathon race director, Allan Steinfield, in an e-mail message to friends. "There is both relief and sadness in Vic's leaving us: relief because he is no longer suffering and sadness because we will miss dearly his friendship, his smile and his wisdom.
Navarra worked for other races besides the ING New York City Marathon. He was the race coordinator for the Stephen Siller-Tunnel to Towers Run which honored another firefighter who ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to get to Ground Zero on 9/11. Siller lost his life along with 342 other firefighters that day, and Navarra was the perfect person to direct this race. He also worked at the Boston Marathon and the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series produced by the Elite Racing.
The New York Road Runners, which organizes the ING New York City Marathon, had prepared thousands of black ribbons to be worn by staff and volunteers at their race this year in case Navarra died before race day. Instead, they were worn to commemorate Ryan Shay, the marathoner who died unexpectedly at the U.S. Olympic Trials the day before.
Vic was "noted for his wonderful personality and his love of running," commented athletics photographer Victor Sailer in an e-mail message. "Vic, you will be sorely missed for your great smile, human compassion and being a great guy."
Navarra is survived by his wife of 37 years, Joanne, and daughters Kristie and April.
NOTE: Here is an excellent feature from the New York Times about Vic Navarra written about a month before the ING New York City Marathon. On a personal note, I will miss Vic very much, and Jane, Bob and I would like to extend our condolences to Joanne and all of Vic's family --Ed.
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