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Navy Gold Star Program Information & Resource Site

Navy Gold Star is the Navy’s official program for providing long-term support to surviving families of Sailors who pass while on Active Duty. If you are visiting this page because you are a surviving family member of a deceased service member, please accept our most heartfelt sympathy and gratitude for your loved one’s service and sacrifice in defending our nation . . .

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Navy Gold Star Coordinator Support

Navy Gold Star Coordinators provide support to families around the world. Find a coordinator near you.

Navy Gold Star Tributes


U.S. Navy
PO1
Benjamen Farrell
18 Jan 2005

Benjamen Farrell Worked on being a better person through his Catholic Faith and was  “into” scouting, becoming an Eagle Scout. He was loyal to his family and friends, to a fault and enjoyed participating in choir, musicals, football, and track.  Benjamen was generous with his time and talents, he helped build the grade school Christmas program manger, helped friends fix their cars, he would stop to assist stranded motorists, etc.  He was resilient and made the most of the situations he was in, especially family situations where he was typically the only boy.  He was protective of his younger sisters from the grade school playground to their adult boyfriends. He procrastinated to the point of making a task impossible to complete, but usually managed to complete the task when all others gave up hope. He wanted to make something of his life and chose the Navy to do that and he was building his life through the Navy. He enjoyed serving his country and he liked being in the Navy.  He Liked being the spoiled only grandson and took advantage of it.  He was a Star Wars and a video game junkie and had a passion for reading, especially The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, which he read 3 or 4 times.  He always had the ability to make the people around him laugh, either with some goofy comment or using one of his many quotable sources. He loved his job and excelled at it. He enjoyed new experiences and was always up to trying anything.  He had a beautiful smile, don’t forget the dimples.

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U.S. Marine Corps
1st Lt.
Christopher Michael Troche
16 Feb 2018
Christopher “Chris” Troche grew up in Metuchen, NJ, where he graduated with honors from St. Joseph Catholic High School. He was Junior and Senior Class president and was in the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. Chris excelled in academia, earning Magna Cum Laude, with a 4.5 GPA. A gifted athlete, Chris also excelled in track and field. He was a three-time Meet of Champion participant, placing 9th in the State in High Hurdles. One of Chris’ dreams was to fly and he would eventually fly for the Marines. He joined the Naval Sea Cadet Corps at the age of 10 and became one of the youngest Chief Petty Officers at the age of 15. He was awarded two Teddy Roosevelt Navy League Medals for being named League Cadet of the Year and Sea Cadet of the Year. He was recruited by the US Naval Academy as a track athlete and graduated from the Academy in 2015 before joining the Marines. “He was a quiet and happy individual who would smile and light up the room,” said his father. He is remembered by his father, Edgar “Ed” Troche and his sister, Kelly.
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U.S. Navy
PO2
Xavier A. Maldonado Soto
19 Sep 2020

Xavier was born in Arecibo PR, he joined the Navy in 2018. He was last stationed in San Diego, CA as a fire control man. He enjoyed his time in the Navy and enjoyed all the adventures and time learning new things. Xavier was very independent and smart. He was also loving, caring, a great friend and a family person. He loved playing video games and reading books.

He is survived by his mom, Irene Perez Soto, sister, Xarielis (19) and Nicolle (15), his nephew, Angelo (8 months) and many friends.  

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U.S. Navy
CPO
Raymond “Ray” Newton
26 Nov 2021

Ray “Boats” had many impressive accomplishments during his service. Winning the Admiral Zumwalt Award, twice, serving aboard the USS Curtis Wilbur, USS Spruance, being a part of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami relief efforts just to name a few. Ray was energy, he could light up any room. Those who love him are reminded of his impact in the songs we hear, the smiles of those we love and friends we have yet to meet, in Sailors who have yet to join the service. Ray was so many things to so many people, above all he was laughter, a helping hand and a friend to anyone. How do you harness something like the moon and all the stars? If you had the pleasure of meeting him, you know Ray was the moon and stars wrapped up in one. When a life such as this touches you, you are forever changed.?

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U.S. Navy
HM1
John Garcia
24 Oct 2020

John Garcia had an extraordinary life. He was a loving, hard-working, hilarious person and made a positive impact on so many people’s lives. John was devoted to his family, the San Francisco 49ers and the Navy. For 20 years, he served his country proudly and loved what he did. He was also a great father to his princess Julianna and his Best Buddy Gavin. There is nothing he would not have done for his two babies. The love he had for me, as his wife, was endless. Through happiness and complete sadness, he stood by my side and was my rock. Lastly, if you knew John you knew he was a Niners fan, he made sure of that and was proud of it. Whatever he loved, he loved full heartedly.

John, thank you for lighting up all of our lives with your endless humor, dedication and love. We ALL miss you & pray we are making you proud!!!

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U.S. Navy
AA
Tyrone Anthony Jabin
10 Jul 2020

Ty's big, warm, charismatic smile will live on through all who love him.

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Navy Gold Star Testimonials