Rich's Story
Native Norristownian, Richie Nave, was born on May 14, 1971 at Montgomery Hospital. On June 19, 2022, Norristown and the greater community learned the shocking news: Richie had passed away suddenly at 51 years young on Father's Day surrounded by his beautiful family.
Richie's roots ran long and deep in Norristown. He attended St. Paul's Catholic School and graduated from Bishop Kenrick High School in 1989. After his graduation from Penn State University, at a time where he could have gone anywhere to pursue his interests and explore the world, Richie returned "home" - to Norristown - and started his first (and last) job at the Montgomery County Health Department in 1996. One of many testaments of his loyalty, Richie had logged in 26 years of uninterrupted service to the County and Norristown and the surrounding suburbs.
Richie cultivated rich and loyal friendships from grade school until his passing. Richie naturally connected with everyone he met which made him the go to guy because "he always knew a guy." Everyone who did have the chance opportunity to know him, whether it was for 10 minutes or 10 years, loved him and wanted to be around him. He exuded an energy that lifted people's spirits, saw the best in every situation, and encouraged people to be their best selves.
To say that Richie was passionate is an understatement! He held season tickets for the Eagles since 1995 and took tailgating to a whole new level. He loved to grill because it brought people together over great food and a beer. Richie was not just "a guy" but "the guy" everyone loved being around because he made you feel like you were the only person in the room.
Richie married his soulmate, Nicole, on June 20, 1998. Together, they brought two amazing sons, Gino and Sonny, into the world. Richie was the ultimate family man who loved, cherished, and adored his wife and kids.
Richie was a giver of his time, talent, and treasure to support causes that he held near and dear to his heart like the Elmwood Park Zoo. He was an active and invested 19-year member of this Norristown community institution. As a family-centered man, he was drawn to the quaintness of The Zoo where he celebrated his youngest son's, Sonny’s, birthday parties. His eldest son worked there when he was 15 through highschool graduation. The Elmwood Park Zoo provided Richie's family a close-to-home, no hassle outdoor experience with nature and animals and...most importantly...a way for him to visit with friends and family.
The Elmwood Park Zoo is a rich tradition in the Nave household. It's the memories of birthday parties and the conversations and laughter while strolling and ambling through The Zoo became the Nave's Hallmark Movie moment in the heart of Norristown and keeps Richie's spirit alive today.
