Roy was born in San Luis Obispo, CA on October 13, 1918; lived his childhood in Gilroy, CA with parents Ida M. White and Roy B. Naylor, Sr. He had had strong ties to Gilroy from both is paternal and maternal sides of his family, the Willson’s and Phegley’s.
He began his long life of working at age 14 when he worked three jobs while in Gilroy High School, helping to support his mother and himself. His very strong work ethic continued throughout his life.
Roy served his country in the United States Army Air Corps.
In Gilroy, he bought Shillings Creamery next to the Strand Theater and after making it a financial success, sold it and moved to San Jose, CA in 1950 where he embarked upon his long lasting career in the real estate business.
He worked for Stone & Schulte as a Real Estate Salesman but then branched out to become a very successful land developer. He did business with Jack and Ken Blackwell, Ken Camp and became partners with Lee Brandenburg developing land, then worked for himself the remaining time of his career.
Besides his career, he was on the San Jose City Planning Commission for 5 years, from 1966-1971. He was appointed to fill a vacated seat on the San Jose City Council in 1971 and ran in the following election and won by a landslide. He then became Vice Mayor of San Jose, CA and served for 2 years.
A meeting was held by City Manager, Ted Tedesco where attendance was 175 people, Ted came to the microphone and said “City Councilman Roy B. Naylor has never once forgotten the people of the City of San Jose”. This was really Roy’s legacy and he was very proud of this.
A 45-day round trip to Europe for two topped the list of gifts showered upon San Jose Vice Mayor Roy Naylor at a testimonial dinner held in his honor at the Le Baron Hotel upon retirement. In addition to the trip, Roy received resolutions and plaques from the State Legislature, the County Board of Supervisors, the City Council, Rep. Norman Mineta, the City Fire Fighters and the Chamber of Commerce.
Roy’s family was always extremely important to him and he was The Patriach of The Naylor Family. He is survived by Darlene M. Naylor, his wife of 48 years and 3 children: Pat Fields and her husband Jim of Scottsdale, AZ, Scott Naylor and his wife Robbin of Burlington and Shawn Naylor and his wife Aubrey of Sedro-Woolley; also 7 grandchildren: Nicole Carroll, Jason Fields, Justin Fields, Dylan Fields, Rob Naylor, Rachelle Naylor, Holly Naylor, Shawn Naylor, Kaylee Naylor, Jordan Naylor; six great-grandchildren: Conor Carroll, Holden Fields, Jack Williams, Rory Williams, Sawyer Fields, Scout Fields.
A Celebration of Roy’s life will be held Thursday, March 11, 2010, 7:00 P.M. at Hawthorne Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, March 12, 2010, 12:15 P.M. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fr. William Treacy presiding, committal prayers will follow at the Hawthorne Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Please share your thoughts of Roy and sign the online guest register at www.hawthornefh.com
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Roy’s name to Skagit Hospice, PO Box 1376, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.
A special thank you to Deb Park (volunteer-Skagit Hospice) and Lisa Judy (Visiting Angels) for their loving care.
Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, 1825 E. College Way, Mount Vernon.
