(This story was updated with new information.)
Cathedral City Councilmember Mark Carnevale, who spent more than 10 years in elected office and decades in the restaurant business, has died at 75.
The councilmember, who also owned the Italian restaurant Nicolino’s, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 16, the city announced in a news release the following morning.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend, Mark Carnevale,” Cathedral City Mayor Nancy Ross said in the release. “He contributed so much to our community and was a tireless advocate for Cathedral City. He will be greatly missed.”
Carnevale and his wife Rhonda had lived in the Coachella Valley since 1969. He was first elected to the city council in 2014 and had been serving his third term representing District 3. He opened Nicolino’s in 1985, overseeing the restaurant and working with three generations of family members, including his son Nick.
“Mark was a steadfast leader who deeply cared about the people of Cathedral City,” Interim City Manager Anne Ambrose said in a statement. “His commitment to his constituents and his collaborative approach to governance made him an invaluable member of our team. Our hearts go out to Rhonda and his entire family during this incredibly difficult time.”
The city did not include the cause of death in its release, and a spokesperson said the city would not be commenting on the issue out of respect for the privacy of his family. Carnevale’s family could not be reached for comment Monday.
“Our hearts are heavy, and we ask the community to honor the family’s privacy during this difficult time,” city spokesperson Ryan Hunt said in an email to The Desert Sun.
A decade of service
During his more than 10 years on the council, Carnevale advocated for community projects including parks and also pushed for future development in the areas of open desert north of Interstate 10 that are within city boundaries. His district included the north end of the city.
Carnevale also helped revitalize the city’s Downtown Arts & Entertainment District, the city said, championing projects that included the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater, Agua Caliente Casino and housing developments.
He served on the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Homeless Committee for seven years, calling the drive to end homelessness a passion of his on his city website.
Carnevale is survived by his wife as well as children Karrie and Nick. Flags at city facilities will be lowered to half-staff to commemorate the councilmember.
The city has 60 days to address the council vacancy. Under the city charter, the remaining council members can either hold a special election or appoint someone to fill the seat for the rest of Carnevale’s current term, which has about a year remaining.
Regardless of what the council decides, the next regularly scheduled election for the seat will be held as scheduled in November 2026.
Staff writer Ani Gasparyan contributed to this report.
Sam Morgen covers the city of Palm Springs for The Desert Sun. Reach him at smorgen@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Cathedral City Councilmember Mark Carnevale dies
Reporting by Sam Morgen, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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