SAN ANTONIO – Tejano music legend Emilio Navaira was laid to rest Monday in a private burial at Mission San Juan Cemetery following a funeral Mass that filled San Fernando Cathedral to overflowing.
Although the ceremony was open to the public, several mourners waited outside the cathedral saying, “Mass is for the family.”
Still they crowded around the entrance, holding their cellphones high, hoping to catch the image as the hearse arrived bearing Navaira’s casket
Once inside, the standing-room-only crowd watched silently as the casket draped in a white cloth with a gold cross on top, passed by them.
Many said they are still stunned by the fact that Navaira died at age 53. The cause still unknown.
“It’s a shock. It’s a shock,” said Ruben Ramos, another Tejano music great who had just shared billing with Navaira during a Mother’s Day performance.
“God knows what he does,” Ramos said. “We’ll see him again, God willing.”
Tammy Perez, one of Navaira’s devoted fans, said his career was too short-lived.
“Too soon, but his music will live on,” Perez said as she cried openly in front of the cathedral.
San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo Siller told the gathering that love was at the center of Navaira’s life and music, which was evident to many who came to say their farewells.
“He loved everybody and everyone,” Perez said. “It didn’t matter who it was, what color you were. He just loved the world.”
Ramos said described Navaira’s favorite greeting, “A real genuine hug and kiss on the cheek.”
Gilbert Herrera, another longtime fan, said that Navaira was always giving people hugs, saying, “Have a good day, always smiling.”
Gloria Padilla even recalled one of Navaira’s hits that described finding a lost love, “’Donde andaras? Donde andaras, la que yo quiero.’ I’ll always remember Emilio for that, so many beautiful songs. He left us a legacy.”
Danny Flores, who brought a collection of Navaira photographs he had taken through the years, said, “Nobody can ever take his place. Like with Selena, nobody can take her place, nobody.”