Cathedral City Councilor Mark Carnevale Dies at 75

City of Cathedral City Mourns Passing Of Councilmember Mark Carnevale

CATHEDRAL CITY — Less than one month after Mark Carnevale told Uken Report that he would seek re-election in 2026, he has died.

Ryan Hunt, communications director for the city announced Carnevale’s death in a news release. Carnevale passed on Sunday, Nov. 16.

“Out of respect for the Carnevale family’s privacy, the City of Cathedral City will not be commenting on the cause or manner of death,” Hunt said, “Our hearts are heavy, and we ask the community to honor the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”

Carnevale was a public official. He understood the public’s right to know as well, or better, than some. He understood that public officials are held to a higher standard. The rumor are running rampant. Rather than be a part of that, Uken Report will publish what it knows. With all due respect to Mark, Uken Report learned that on Nov. 16, 2025, at 6:47 p.m., Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence in the 40 block of International Boulevard in Rancho Mirage, regarding an attempted suicide.  Upon arrival, deputies and paramedics attempted life-saving measures; however, the subject was pronounced deceased at the scene.  The Riverside Sheriff’s Coroner’s Bureau responded and assumed the investigation, according to Sgt. Robert Martinez, Public Information Officer f Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. There is no evidence of foul play, and the investigation remains ongoing. No additional information is available at this time, Martinez said.

“It was an honor to have served with Councilmember Carnevale His legacy will live on through the many projects he championed such as the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater and Ocotillo and Esperanza Parks,” former City Manager Charlie McClendon told Uken Report. “He was deeply committed to the people of our community, and he will be greatly missed.”

Former Communications Director Chris Parman, who worked with Carnevale throughout his tenure with city, told Uken Report that,” “Mark was a deeply compassionate and dedicated Councilmember who committed himself to lifting up those in need. He championed the homeless, advocated tirelessly on their behalf, and devoted countless hours to supporting local nonprofits and their fundraising efforts. As a member of the transformative “Team 2014,” he helped usher in a new era for Cathedral City, working collaboratively to revitalize the downtown arts and entertainment district and launch the vibrant festivals the community continues to celebrate today. His impact is woven into the fabric of the city he loved, and his legacy will endure. He will be profoundly missed.

Former City Councilmember Selley Kaplan was part of Team 2016.

“Mark and I supported each other when we ran for council in 2014,” Kaplan told Uken Report. We served together for 4 years and he has now been on city council for almost 11 years. He was a dedicated public servant, always available to help his constituents and totally focused on making Cathedral City a great place to live, work and play. He represented the city in a way that a great council member should by always being available to discuss issues, weigh the pros and cons of every issue and vote in the way he felt would be in the best interest of the city residents and businesses. But even more important he was just a really good guy willing to provide support wherever it was needed. On Council and as a CVAG representative he was always focused on helping address the unhoused population, When he owned and operated Nicolino’s Italian restaurant in the city for 30 years he often provided food support for the Boys and Girls Club and the Cathedral City Senior Center and other non-profit organizational events. His warm smile and outstretched hand shake will be sorely missed.

Former Councilmember John Aguilar was also included as part of that team.

“The City of Cathedral City lost one of its finest public servants today…my friend and former City Council colleague and Mayor, Mark Carnevale,” Aguilar told Uken Report. “I feel grateful that I was able to see Mark just a few days ago at the formal opening of the CV Link in Cathedral City, one of many projects and initiatives Mark had a major leadership role in over the years.  There are too many projects, programs, and new developments that we should be grateful to Mark for, many already listed by others. But I will always treasure our friendship, his counsel to me on many difficult occasions when I served as Mayor during the first year of COVID, and his generous support of so many local nonprofits.  Bruce and I send our deepest condolences to Rhonda and Mark’s family…. he will be missed”

Carnevale and his wife, Rhonda, have called the Coachella Valley home since 1969. He was elected to the City Council in November 2014 and was serving his third term representing District 3. He served as Mayor in 2019-2020 following the passing of Mayor Gregory S. Pettis, and again in 2023-2024.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend, Mark Carnevale,” said Cathedral City Mayor Nancy Ross. “He contributed so much to our community and was a tireless advocate for Cathedral City. He will be greatly missed.”

“Mark was a steadfast leader who deeply cared about the people of Cathedral City,” said Interim City Manager Anne Ambrose. “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.”

Carnevale was instrumental in the revitalization of Cathedral City’s Downtown Arts & Entertainment District, championing projects including the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater, the Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City, and supporting significant housing and economic development throughout the city. He was a passionate advocate for smart growth and believed deeply in Cathedral City’s potential.

At the City Council, Councilmember Carnevale served on numerous regional committees including the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) Executive Committee, CVAG Homeless Committee (7+ years), CVAG Transportation Committee, Riverside County Transportation

Commission, and as an alternate to the League of California Cities – Riverside County Division Executive Board, Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Southern California Association of Governments.

A local business owner for more than 40 years, Carnevale and his wife Rhonda owned and operated Nicolino’s Italian Restaurant in Cathedral City since 1985.

The restaurant, which served fine Italian cuisine prepared by three generations of family members including his son Nick, was honored by the Chamber of Commerce as both “Restaurant of the Year” and “California Small Business of the Year.”

Through Nicolino’s, Councilmember Carnevale gave generously to the Cathedral City Boys and Girls Club, Cathedral City Evening Rotary, Cathedral City High School programs, Police Officers and Firefighters Associations, and numerous other community organizations.

He is survived by his wife Rhonda; children Karrie and Nick; five grandchildren; and numerous extended family members. Services are pending.

In honor of Councilmember Carnevale’s service to Cathedral City, flags at City facilities will be lowered to half-staff.

The City Council has 60 days from November 16, 2025, to address the vacancy in District