Cathedral City Mourns Longtime Leader Mark Carnevale

Cathedral City is mourning the loss of one of its most influential and beloved public figures. Longtime council member and former mayor Mark Carnevale passed away on Sunday, leaving behind a legacy that city leaders and residents say will not soon be forgotten.

Carnevale served on the Cathedral City Council for more than a decade, stepping into the role of mayor twice during his tenure. But those who knew him say his service extended far beyond council meetings. To many, he was the heart of Cathedral City — a mentor, a champion for community growth, and a dedicated advocate for those in need.

“He was a mentor as well as a council member as well as a community activist as well as a family man,” said Cathedral City Mayor Nancy Ross. “He’s the core of our city in so many ways. If you walk around our city and ask people if they know Mark Carnevale, they’re going to say yes.”

Throughout his years in office, Carnevale pushed forward many of the city’s major projects, including the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater, the Agua Caliente Casino, and the revitalization of the Downtown Arts and Entertainment District. He also served on several committees, including the Coachella Valley Association of Governments’ Homeless Committee, where colleagues say he wasn’t afraid to take action.

“He would ride with police officers up into the mountains to see if they could find people who were camped out and then try to encourage them to go to a center where they’d have a roof over their head,” Ross recalled.

Carnevale’s dedication reached well beyond policymaking. His generosity and enthusiasm were felt deeply by the community organizations he supported year after year. One of those was the Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City, which credits him with helping elevate its programs and fundraising efforts.

“Mark participated in all our events,” said a representative from the club. “He brought his joy and love, and he really cared for the Cathedral City community.”

For nearly 40 years, Carnevale and his family owned Nicolino’s Italian Restaurant, a local landmark that became a hub for community gatherings, charitable efforts, and countless memories. Friends say it was an extension of his service — always open, always welcoming, always ready to help.

“Sometimes it gets rough out there in fundraising, and he would say, ‘Come on, we’re going to go do something at the restaurant,’” one colleague shared. “He was always looking for ways to help.”

Carnevale is survived by his wife Rhonda, their two children, and five grandchildren. Community members say his impact will continue through the projects he helped build and the lives he touched along the way.

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