Fresno relatives of Jose Navarro gathered under gray skies Friday at the Clovis and Ashlan avenues intersection, sponges and hoses in hand, to wash cars for cash. The 42-year-old died the day before from heart failure, according to the Fresno County Coroner’s Office. They need the money for a proper memorial.

Navarro’s former stepson Moises Aparicio wiped tears as he recounted the man’s last visit. “I started my own business. It’s crazy because I hadn’t seen him in a few years, and the day before he passed, he came by my house and seemed proud of me,” Aparicio said. Navarro had guided him through his teenage years, steering him clear of trouble and toward a stable future.

“He showed me how to be a good provider,” Aparicio added. “He did his best when he was around, and now we’re doing our best right now.” The family plans to keep the car wash running all day Saturday, Feb. 21, at the same spot. Donations will continue pouring in through their GoFundMe page, which already tops $1,000.

Family painted Navarro as selfless and tireless. He spent years in construction, always prioritizing others. Niece April Garcia called him deeply loving. “He always made sure everyone was taken care of before himself,” she said. Another niece, Nadia Jimenez, remembered his knack for cheering people up. “He would always make everybody laugh. No matter if you were in a sad or mad mood, he walks into the room, and you just get a smile on your face.”

Nephew Jeremiah Jimenez echoed that. Navarro dished out advice freely. “He always talked to me and helped me out,” Jeremiah said. “He was just a nice dude. I loved that guy.” The sudden loss hit hard on Valentine’s Day weekend, when most families marked the holiday with flowers and dinners.

Garcia expressed raw gratitude for the community’s response. “Thank you so much,” she said. “All of the donations, everything — we wouldn’t be able to do it without them.” Navarro’s influence rippled beyond blood ties. Aparicio credited him with shaping his path to business ownership. Others recalled quiet acts of support amid Fresno’s everyday grind.

The fundraiser highlights how quickly tragedy can strike working-class families. Funeral costs mount fast without insurance buffers. Navarro’s crew now races against time, suds flying as cars line up. They hope to honor him fully, matching the generosity he showed in life. Donations through Saturday could tip the scales.