Gary Lee Naigle - Cremation Society of Virginia

Gary Lee Naigle

October 23, 1942 - February 4, 2026

Gary Lee Naigle, son of William Barron Naigle and Rosemary Morrissey Naigle, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026. Gary was born in Portsmouth Naval Hospital on October 23, 1942, the same night his father set sail for the invasion of North Africa, and he passed away within eyesight of the same hospital.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his son, William B. Naigle, II and his brother, Richard B. Naigle. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Greta Gustavson; his daughter, Nancy Naigle of Franklin; his sister-in-law, Virginia W. Naigle of Chesapeake; his sister-in-law, Virginia B. Gustavson of Chesapeake; and his brother-in-law, Walter S. Gustavson of Chesapeake.
Gary was a graduate of Norview High School and retired after a 30 year career with Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority as their Rehabilitation Construction Officer. His work led to the rehabilitation of houses within designated conservation districts such as West Freemason, Ghent and Park Place.
Gary’s greatest joy came from sailing adventures, where he achieved the remarkable feat of completing two double-handed sailing trips across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe, with return passages via the Canary Islands and the Caribbean islands.
Private services will take place later this year.
Please post condolences to the Cremation Society of Virginia website, www.vacremationsociety.com

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Gary and I worked together for many years on the 6th floor, in the Rehabilitation Dept. of NRHA. Gary was well respected amongst his peers and adversaries for his knowledge, determined demeaner and to the point sarcasm. I was in the construction field of my life and Gary is the only person I respected most as my supervisor. My condolences to Greta, family and all his admired friends.

Greta. my deepest condolences on the loss of Gary. You two were so kind and helpful to a wayward sailor, I'll never forget the help, hospitality and friendship you two gave me prior to my Atlantic crossing.

Gary was part of my karate journey from ODU in the 1970s through Seishiin Kai in the 1980s and Kensei Kai Dojo during the 1990s. He accompanied me to Japan in 1980 and made many friends there. He was an integral part of my journey. Condolences to Greta and the family. Sayonara my friend.

In the early 1980s, I met Gary circumnavigating the globe, aboard of Hiro Nagae's sailboat in Norfolk. Thank you for becoming a lifelong friend. Even after I left Norfolk at the end of 1983, he treated me and my family like family whenever myself and my family visited Norfolk over the years. Since our eldest son, Ryo, moved to Norfolk in 2016, just a few blocks from your home, my wife Kaoru and I are deeply grateful for the way you have become like American parent to him. Thank you for your many years of support. Please rest in peace. From Osamu, Kaoru, and Jun.

Gary was a knowledgable and hard working member of the NRHA staff and a credit to the organization.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Sorry for your loss Greta and for the family. Gary and I had a connection thru karate. From our time at the ODU class to The Dojo and with Soke Kuniba. The picture is from a happier time in karate, Gary on the front row, far left.

I have wonderful memories of Gary with Soke Shogo Kuniba. Gary was a Hatamoto for Soke, a special protector. Gary, Greta and I all had October birthdays and we had many birthday dinners at Japanese restaurants. I am so sorry for your heartbreaking loss Greta. Hugs.

Sincere condolences for the loss of one so special in your life. Know that the smiles, laughter, and kindness Gary shared with others will be forever remembered. May his memories forever warm your hearts and bring smiles to your faces, even behind tears shed. Know that death was never God’s plan (Gen. 1:28; Rom. 5:12) so he gives us hope; the hope that loved ones will be resurrected (Acts 24:15) to life forever on a paradise earth, (Ps.37:11,29) as God intended from the beginning. Cherish the hope and the fine memories of your beloved husband, father, brother, Gary Naigle.

Greta, so sorry to hear about Gary. We had fun times together at the TPYC get togethers. The beautiful ship's clock you two gave to Roberta and me at our going away party will mean even more now. Harry and Roberta Glenn - Tampa

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.