Cathedral City to host celebration of life service for Mark Carnevale on Monday
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) - Cathedral City officially announced a celebration of life service for Councilmember Mark Carnevale, who died last month.
The service will be held on Monday, Dec. 15, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mary Pickford Theatre. It will be open to the public.
"The community is invited to join the Carnevale family in celebrating Mark's life and his decade of dedicated service to Cathedral City," reads an announcement by the city.
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed on the City's YouTube channel at youtube.com/discovercathedralcity. An overflow auditorium will also be available at the Mary Pickford Theatre showing the broadcast for additional attendees. Light refreshments will be provided by New Leaf Catering following the celebration service.
The celebration, emceed by Stan Henry, will include musical tributes, video tributes showcasing Mark's contributions to Cathedral City, and speakers representing the many facets of his life:
• City Leadership: Cathedral City Mayor Raymond Gregory will speak to Mark's service and leadership
• Community Impact: Patrick Evans, KESQ Chief Meteorologist, and Scott Robinson from the Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City will share Mark's community involvement
• Personal Tributes: Family members Karrie and Nick Carnevale will offer personal reflections
• Special Presentation: Dominic Carnevale will read a letter from Mark's brother, Michael Carnevale Reverend Clinton Crawshaw of All Souls Church MCCCV will provide the opening prayer and closing message.
Carnevale died on Nov. 16. According to the Riverside County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to an attempted suicide call that evening at a residence in Rancho Mirage. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but Carnevale was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorties said there is no evidence of foul play, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Carnevale represented District 3 and was first elected to the council in 2014. He served as the city's mayor twice, in 2019-20, following the passing of Mayor Gregory S. Pettis, and again in 2023-24.
City officials called Carnevale a pillar of the Cathedral City community.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend, Mark Carnevale. He contributed so much to our community and was a tireless advocate for Cathedral City. He will be greatly missed."
He has been a Coachella Valley resident since 1969. He, along with his wife Rhonda, owned and operated Nicolino's Italian Restaurant in Cathedral City, which opened in 1985 and closed a few years ago. He had been operating Nick's Bistro in recent years.
Carnevale is survived by his wife Rhonda; children Karrie and Nick; five grandchildren; and numerous extended family members.
