New London - Ireneo "Rene" Naranjo Navarrete, 85, passed away Sunday evening, Nov. 5, 2017, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London, with loved ones at his side.He leaves his wife Joyce (Connors) Navarrete; his children, Darlene Bennett and her husband, Robert, of Tampa, Fla., Kimberly Navarrete and her husband, Richie Callaghan, of Kissimmee, Fla., Mark Navarrete of New London, Debra Schneider and her husband, Wayne, of Niantic, Bruce Bissett of Florida, Joanne (Muscarella) Bissett of Barnstable, Mass., Diane Belanger and her husband, Yvon, of Lebanon; his grandchildren, Julia Donatello, Michael Donatello, Ryan Belanger, Arianna Bennett, Serena Bennett, Scott Schneider, Jonathan Bissett, Nicole Jenkins; brothers, Sofronio Navarrete and his wife, Linda, of St.Croix, USVI, Felicisimo Navarrete of Agno, Philippines and Isidro Navarrete of Agno, Philippines; a sister, Ana (Navarrete) Nacional of Agno, Philippines; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.He was predeceased by his first wife, Sally Deveau; a daughter, Gemma Navarrete; a son, Shawn Bissett; and brothers, Policarpio Navarretea and Carlito Navarrete.Rene was born on April 5, 1932, in Agno, Pangasinan, Philippines, his parents were Alejandro and Victoria Navarrete, he attended Agno high school and graduated at the top of his class as valedictorian. He excelled as an orator and was an inspirational and powerful speaker. After graduating, he joined the U.S. Navy and eventually settled in New London after being stationed in Groton with the Navy. He had been a cook for the Block Island Ferry company and the CPO club, he was a passionate and excellent cook. He was president of the local Filipino club in New London and took great pride in his heritage. He was employed with Pfizer for 27 years as a shift supervisor. He took his job very thoughtfully and was highly regarded by his fellow employees. In his free time he enjoyed playing poker, spending time cooking for his family especially his grandchildren and watching all kinds of sports but especially baseball, a Yankees fan in his early life but he then changed to a Red Sox fan in his later years. What he loved most was being a grandfather and spending time with his grandchildren.Rene was cherished and loved by all those who knew him. His charm was something that was truly only his, he had a way of making all those he met feel special and loved. With a smile that could light up the darkest room and a singing voice that was like velvet, he sang with such sentiment and passion that you just had to stop and listen. In the last years of his life with age and Alzheimer's taking so much away, it never took away his passion for singing or that million dollar smile. Rene will be deeply missed but we take comfort in knowing he is at peace now and we will think of him smiling and singing among the angels.Calling hours are from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13, 2017 with a memorial service at 6 p.m., at Fulton Theroux Funeral Home at 13 Lake Ave., Niantic. Burial will be private at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.