Obituary
Guest Book
1916
2014
Countess Nadia de Navarro-Farber
From time to time there comes before us an individual who through hard work, perseverance and dedication improves the quality of life for members of the local community as well as the world community while displaying grace, determination, lending motivation and enthusiasm to all. Countess Nadia de Navarro Farber is such an individual.
Countess Nadia de Navarro-Farber was born to a noble family in Pleven, Bulgaria. The Countess was a musical comedy star and starred in several black and white movies in her native Bulgaria and Hungary before marrying her first husband, a Spanish Count who served as a Diplomat to the Vatican. After many years of living in Monte Carlo after World War 11 and the death of her husband, she came to New York in 1949 to start her new life. She was well known on Long Island, in Europe, the Caribbean and South America as a philanthropist. During lunch at the Plaza Hotel one day, friends introduced her to Sid Farber who was just starting a home development business. The two were married in 1953 and settled down on Long Island. The business operated by the Countess and her husband built more than 30,000 homes on Long Island. Many of the then designed for the moderate income families then flocking to the suburbs. The twice widowed Countess was the titular head of Sid Farber Enterprises which owns commercial and residential real estate on Long Island. A resident of Belle Terre for more than 40 years, she was twice honored by John T. Mather Memorial Hospital in Port Jefferson for her generosity to the hospital and to the community. She was the Hospital's Community Honoree at the 35th "One Enchanted Evening Gala" because of her ongoing commitment to Mather and the surrounding community. She was an active member of the Mather Hospital Family, donating her time and energy to numerous hospital projects. The Countess, who always declined to give her age, also maintained an apartment in Central Park South and a faux Moorish-style castle she personally designed in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where she spent four months of every year.
The Countess has also received the Theodore Roosevelt Award from Mather Hospital at the Hospital's gala in 1990 - the year she pledged the $1 million donation in memory of her late husband, Sid Farber. Together they were long time benefactors of Mather Hospital. At the time she said there was nothing more important than giving to a hospital. "He who helps the hospital helps the community", she said. "The two things we need to support most in order for our community to thrive are our schools and our hospitals. Without the hospitals we are a family without a home". On December 15, 1991, the fourth major expansion of Mather Hospital was completed with the dedication of the new Contessa Nadia Farber Emergency Pavilion.
The master of eight languages, she has been an active member of charitable and humanitarian organizations spanning geographical, ethnic and religious lines across the globe. The Countess was active with U.S. Immigration Service, the Hebrew Immigrants Aid Society (HIAS) and the Venezuelan Charity for Immigrants. The Countess gave her time to numerous charitable organizations including the Red Cross in Monaco, The American Hospital in Paris, The Princess Grace Hospital in Monte Carlo, the Boys Orphanage in Athens and the Children Orphanage in Venice. The Countess was also involved in the arts and aided the Suffolk County Film Commission in bringing motion picture production back to Long Island.
Her many honors include special Congressional recognition in 1998 and honors at the St. Charles Hospital Friendship Ball. In 1996, together with Governor George Pataki, Countess Nadia de Navarro-Farber was awarded the very prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor. In 1995 the Countess received the Ward Melville Heritage Organization's Golden Eagle Award for her commitment to Long Island's arts, humanitarian causes and economic development. Honors from the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office; Coalition of Italian American Organizations; the Boy Scouts of America Suffolk County Council for her leadership and dedication to Suffolk County's youth and Distinguished Woman of 1998, an honor bestowed by Decision Women in Commerce and the Professions and was the Town of Brookhaven's "Woman of the Year" award recipient.
In addition, she has been honored with the Order of Malta, the Order of St. Sepulchre, the Order of St. Sava from King Peter of Yugoslavia, the Gold Medal from the French Academy of Arts, Sciences and Letters, and the Silver Medal from the City of Paris.
All of these remarkable accolades, charities, events and awards were wonderful but nothing compared to receiving that "special" invitation to join the Countess at a celebratory party at the pink house at the end of Cliff Road in Belle Terre.
The Countess is survived by her husband Yuri Farber, her daughter Evgenia Provolissianos, son-in-law Peter Provolissianos and three grandchildren.
Wake – Wednesday, April 23, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at O.B. Davis Funeral Home, Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station, NY.
Funeral service – Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 10:00 am. at O.B. Davis Funeral Home, Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station, NY.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in the Countess's name to John T. Mather Memorial Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 9, 2023
Family
Anelia Gorgorova
Dear friends of Nadia, I would like to ask any of you who want to share memories of her to contact me, because we are planning to collect those of loved ones and honor her memory through a site related to her life and work.
Please, anyone who wants to get involved, email me at [email protected].
Best wishes,
Anelia Gorgorova
April 14, 2019
Acquaintance
Carmen Gomez
It was always a pleasure chatting with you on your visits to the dental office.. Miss your free spirit. Continue to rest peacefully.
April 12, 2019
Family
Charleen Ford Hannah
Our family will cherish the times we spent together and I your special embrace and loving words spoken to me
April 12, 2019
Friend
Marshall Walker
The years go by, but the memory of you and your castle, and all your friends and guests will remain with us forever. You were always kind and gracious, and good to us.
January 14, 2015
Charleen Ford Hannah
To my Darling Nadia , my prayers are with you, from me and my family, always . ??
September 16, 2014
Janice Benjamin
My sweet darling, may your soul rest in peace!!! It was a pleasure meeting you a memory I will never forget. Love Always!!!
August 14, 2014
Christopher J. Florio
The first time we met you ( my Sister and I ) was at the Hunt Breakfast the the Old Fields Club over the Christmas Holidays years ago . You were kind enough to let us sit at your table and we chatted forever . Thank you for being a part of our memories and lives ! I'm sure your making tons of angels smile up there !
June 14, 2014
I shared so many good memories with this very special lady. The Contessa made my family , friends and myself feel at home every time we were at her home in Belle Terre. Barbara and Yuri took such great care of the Contessa, and I am certain that's why this amazing lady lived such a great and long life. I'm going to miss my special friend so much. God Bless you my dear friend. I LOVE YOU Mario Lalicata NY
June 4, 2014
Angela vicidomini
Hallo Contessa...I' Angela...Pino' s Doughter....you was rally a special Woman....I can't forget when I Came in Long Islanda WITH my parents....I have all in my mind...You..Yury.... everything..... I would like to See you again...But it was impossibile..... I Will miss you everytime..... now you can See me from heaven... Yuri....if you Read this messagge..please contatc mea on Facebook... Angela Vicidomini. God bless you!!!
May 30, 2014
Monique Barbara williams
I knew
The Contessa from Montecarlo and worked for her at Belle Terre for a. Year! Will never forget that amazing year it's 43 years later and still all the memories are there! Rest in peace wonderful lady!
May 28, 2014
So sorry to hear of your passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. You where a beautiful women inside as well as out.
The Mitrani Family
May 24, 2014
Star Swartz
Rest in peace Nadia. You were special indeed and I will remember you always!
Star Swartz (Tucson, Arizona & NYC)
May 20, 2014
Charleen Ford Hannah
How I longed to share my joys with you, God gave you blessings that you have shared with so many. Thanks for being so loving and kind, I know you are in heaven cheering us on. I will always remember you saying you can go now after holding my forehead and my waist and telling me how beautiful I am. I did not know at first but you took the time to seek me out. Forever yours my darling! Charleen Ford Hannah
May 13, 2014
Barbara Gajewski
I was fortunate enough to work with the Countess for the last 23 years. She shared with me her wisdom and experience every day. She has helped me become a strong and confident person.
R. I. P.
My sincere condolences to the Family.
May 12, 2014
eng. Vasil Kanev
Please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolence! My family and I are so sad to hear of passing of our relative. We in Bulgaria are proud of her glory, work, philanthropy and everything she has done throughout her life. Her life was an unique one and we will never forget her. Rest in peace!
May 6, 2014
Carmen Gomez
It was an honor to have met the Contessa while working for Dr. Richard Fraebel. I also had the privilege of having a tour of the Castle with her and Sid.
Always so well dressed and her makeup out of this world. Will truly miss seeing her in St. Croix. Much Love to her family.
May 3, 2014
Donna Grucci Butler
There are no words I can say to describe how loving and caring you were to our family. Rest in piece as you will always be in my heart.
April 26, 2014
Les Gore
A tribute to a most fascinating woman. On the occasions my wife and I met her, mostly at a New Year's Eve party, she was lovely and gracious to us. You will be missed, rest in peace .
April 26, 2014
Marshall Walker
Every act, every gesture, every kindness she made to the world, inspired those around her to reach for that elusive, personal integrity and greatness that she personified.
Somewhere beyond the sunset, where loveliness never dies, she, surely, lives in a land of glory, midst the blue and gold of the skies.
April 25, 2014
Omar Cintron
RIP my pesame to family, and friends,memories is what we leave behind,hope you good memories
April 25, 2014
K. Roberts
I was saddened by your passing. I have always wanted to meet an eloquent lady such as your self. I saw you once when I was younger at St. Patrick's Parade. Will always remember your face when I gaze up at the castle. RIP
April 25, 2014
Jennifer Dieppa
Dearest Contessa, you were the most inspirational person I've ever met. I feel so fortunate that my grandmother introduced me to you at such a young age. We truly had some of the most memorable times of our life spent with you at the pink house and in St. Croix. I can't thank you for the countless invitations for my family and friends to just enjoy the simplest treasures life has to offer in your company. My heart goes out to you Yuri, you were an amazing man who stood beside her for as long as I can remember.
April 25, 2014
Your openness and grace will be missed by all. Such a lovely lady. Yuri, my thought go out to you.
Cynthia Taylor
April 24, 2014
A perfectionist, the Contessa came back to get her handmade sandals' beige rubber soles ground to the exact shape of her foot and then to keep them looking fresh on regular visits — back in the seventies across from the library on King Street in Christiansted. So glad to have met her, Love, Lisa (but not the owner)
April 24, 2014
Nikki Scott
Your lovely presence will be missed by the people of St. Croix. You were the epidimy of grace and elegance. I remember you and Yuri were so hospitable when I visited you in Long Island for the Holidays with my Peps Roy. I love you & will always keep your kind and heartfelt advice about life l, as I continue my own journey as a woman, daughter & mother. Love Always, Nikki
April 24, 2014
Jackie Cappiello
Dear Contessa.. Thank you for sharing some fun times at the castle with those of us on St. Croix.. We all loved you... Yuri, My sincere condolences..
April 24, 2014
Lorri Scott
Dear Contessa: Thank you for sharing those precious moments, which have now become the most amazing memories. Your presence was an indelible one! We shared some wonderful times together, and we will never forget you.
Rest in peace.
((((((hugs))))) Lorri and Marvin Scott
April 24, 2014
Deborah Salerno
My family and I are so sad to hear of your passing, your works and good deeds are too numerous to mention- thank you for everything you have done throughout your life.
You will be truly missed. Again our deepest condolences to your family. - The Salerno Family (Mt. Sinai)
April 24, 2014
Kathy Brandenburg
Gonna miss my favorite queen of glam. The island won't be the same without your presence.
April 24, 2014
Noemi Nieves
Dear Contessa: Thank you for building your beautiful castle on St. Croix, and spending time on our beautiful island. I had the privilege of visiting your castle in St. Croix and having a fabulous meal in Long Island with Roy Adams, Clemente Cintron and my son Roberto Cintron. We treasure you.
April 24, 2014
Catherine Willey
My Dear Contessa, I was saddened earlier today to hear of your passing. Some of my happiest memories of you include a St Patrick's Day Parade where you were thoroughly enjoying the music and pumping your umbrella, the numerous limousine drives to different functions and relaxing and sharing together in your beautiful home, "The Contessa's Castle". May you be at peace. Catherine Willley former owner of VI Limousine, St. Croix USVI
April 24, 2014
dear yuri and barbara,
we consider ourselves fortunate to have spent some time with the contessa and to have been enriched by her stories and treasured knowledge of art and theatre. please accept our sincere and heartfelt condolences. she leaves us all richer for knowing her and enjoying her wit and wisdom. nomi and dick solo
April 24, 2014
Elizabeth Nieves
Even though I never met you every time I went to St Croix, US Virgin Islands I took pictures of the Castle. Rest in peace.
April 24, 2014
Cy Levine
My Dear Contessa: I am so sad to hear of your passing, but I am so proud of you for doing all those e amazing things throughout. the world. Although we only met several time at the synagogue on St Croix, I am happy to have had the opportunity to know you. I understand you have helped many people here on St Croix. I am sure you will be missed by everyone. Love, Cy Levine
April 24, 2014
Craig & Lisa Kito
Dear Contessa,
Thank you for your kindness and generousity. Rest in peace.
April 24, 2014
Jody Goodrich
To the Amazing, Gracious, Generous, and Funny Contessa! You were a family friend and thank you for allowing me in your private life when I spent summers with you in Long Island. I will never forget chauffeuring you around in the Rolls Royce at the young age of 16. You were a one of a kind character, and you most definitely will be missed.
April 24, 2014
Roger Morgan
In my lifetime, I have NEVER met anyone with the amazing impact that the Countess had on my life and on the life of my wife, Kangja. We treasure the memories that we gathered with her in the Virgin Islands and offer our prayers and good wishes for her family and friends as we all celebrate a vibrant and meaningful life!
April 22, 2014
Dr Alfred & Laura Arcidi
Contessa: Thank you for our wonderful times together. You were a true friend that we will miss dearly.
April 21, 2014
Robert Armao
Our beloved Contessa Nadia rest in peace. We shall not see the likes of one like you again. Love Peggy and Roberto
April 20, 2014
Hanne Rasmussen
Dear Contessa: Thanks for the great memories,for making our lives richer, funnier - and more exciting. You will live on in our hearts, Bent and Hanne
April 20, 2014
Chris Hanley
Contessa
Thank you for all you did for the people of St Croix US Virgin Islands! You will be missed here... You graced our community with humor, style and generosity the likes we have never seen! You will live on forever here as we gaze up to your most splendid castle in Teague Bay. We love you and will never forget you! The Hanley and Ramsey Families, St Croix
Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results
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O. B. Davis Funeral Homes4839 Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
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