A Legacy Etched in Stone: Remembering Louie Carnevale
Louie Carnevale, a name synonymous with artistry, integrity, and unwavering faith, left an indelible mark on the Los Angeles landscape. More than just a master stonemason, he was a man who believed in the power of beauty to inspire and uplift, a belief that resonated throughout his life and work.
Born in 1937 to Italian immigrants, carnevale’s passion for stone began at a young age. “I wanted to do marble since I was 7,” he once recounted. “I just thought it was fascinating to create and build something so beautiful and solid.”
This fascination blossomed into a lifelong career. At just 21,he co-founded Carnevale & Lohr Stone with his best friend,Ed Lohr,a partnership that would see them rise to become industry leaders. Their company, based in Bell Gardens, became known for its exceptional craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to quality.
Carnevale’s talent wasn’t confined to grand projects. He was equally dedicated to serving the needs of smaller, often cash-strapped churches within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He believed in the power of beauty to enhance the spiritual experience,and he generously offered his services at a steep discount,ensuring that even the humblest of parishes could benefit from his artistry.
“You cannot walk into this cathedral without touching the soul of this wonderful artist, Louie Carnevale,” Cardinal Roger Mahony, who worked closely with Carnevale on several projects, said at his funeral Mass.
This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the impact Carnevale had on the community. His work is not merely stone; it’s a testament to his faith, his artistry, and his deep compassion.One of his most meaningful contributions was the design and construction of the main altar for the Cathedral of Our lady of the Angels, a project commissioned by Cardinal Mahony. The altar, crafted from a six-ton slab of Turkish Rosso Laguna marble, is a breathtaking masterpiece.
“both of us had this grate sense we were about to build something sacred,” Cardinal Mahony recalled, highlighting the shared reverence and dedication that went into the project. The altar’s sheer size – 8 feet wide, 10 feet across, and 10 inches thick – required the use of two cranes to carefully lower it into the cathedral before the roof was even installed.
Carnevale’s legacy extends beyond his extraordinary body of work.He was a man of unwavering integrity, known for his honesty and fairness in business dealings. He was also a devoted family man, married to his high school sweetheart, Jackie, for 67 years. He leaves behind two sons, David and Michael, who now run the family business, ensuring that his legacy of excellence will continue for generations to come.
The Enduring Impact of Louie Carnevale
Louie Carnevale’s story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and faith. His life and work serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that even the most ordinary materials can be transformed into something remarkable through artistry and dedication.
Here are some key takeaways from his life:
Follow yoru passion: Carnevale’s love for stone began at a young age and fueled his entire career. Find what your passionate about and pursue it with unwavering dedication.
Integrity matters: Carnevale’s reputation for honesty and fairness was as important to him as his artistic talent. Build your success on a foundation of integrity and ethical conduct.
Give back to your community: Carnevale’s generosity in serving the needs of local churches demonstrates the importance of giving back to those around you. Find ways to use your talents and resources to make a positive impact on your community.
Leave a lasting legacy: Carnevale’s work will continue to inspire and uplift peopel for generations to come. Strive to create something that will outlast your lifetime and leave a positive mark on the world.Louie Carnevale’s legacy is etched not only in the stone he shaped but also in the hearts of those whose lives he touched. He was a true master of his craft, a generous soul, and a man of unwavering faith. His story reminds us that even the most ordinary lives can be extraordinary when lived with passion, integrity, and a commitment to making the world a more beautiful place.
The Legacy of Louie Carnevale: Building More Than Just Structures
Louie Carnevale, a name synonymous with quality and integrity in the construction industry, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond the impressive buildings he helped erect. His story is one of unwavering dedication to his craft,a deep commitment to family,and a profound belief in the power of honesty and respect.
Carnevale & Lohr, the construction firm he co-founded with his lifelong partner, Jack Lohr, rapidly developed a reputation for its meticulous attention to detail and unparalleled artistry. “Pretend it’s your own building — think how you would want it done as it’s yours and do it that way,” Carnevale believed,a ideology that permeated every aspect of their work.
This dedication to excellence wasn’t confined to the job site. Carnevale and Lohr shared a deep bond, mirroring each other’s tastes and lifestyles.They drove the same type of trucks and even adorned their homes with the same art and fine china. This shared vision and unwavering loyalty formed the bedrock of their success.
David Carnevale, Louie’s son, eloquently captured his father’s essence in his eulogy. He highlighted the profound impact his father’s faith had on his life, stating, “I attribute this to his deep religious convictions and belief in the principle that success in life begins with honesty, trust, and respect.”
But for David, his father’s greatest accomplishment wasn’t his professional success, but his unwavering devotion to family. “Even greater than [his accomplishments] was his belief in family — family was everything to him,” David shared.He recounted how his father never boasted about his achievements, but instead, took immense pride in the accomplishments of his family.
David also emphasized the crucial role Jackie, Louie’s wife, played in their success. ”he told me his success could not have been achieved without Jackie,” David revealed, underscoring the importance of partnership and support in achieving lasting success.
The Enduring Impact of Carnevale & Lohr
Carnevale & Lohr’s legacy extends beyond the impressive structures they built. Their commitment to quality, integrity, and family values resonated throughout the industry, inspiring countless others.
Here are some key takeaways from their story that can be applied to any field:
Prioritize Quality: Carnevale & Lohr’s unwavering focus on quality set them apart. This dedication to excellence should be a guiding principle for anyone striving for success.
Build strong Relationships: The partnership between Carnevale and Lohr was built on trust, loyalty, and shared values. Cultivating strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and family is essential for long-term success.
Embrace Family Values: Carnevale’s belief in the importance of family serves as a powerful reminder that success is not solely measured by material achievements. Prioritizing family and personal well-being contributes to a more fulfilling life.
Lead with Integrity: carnevale’s commitment to honesty and respect earned him the trust and admiration of those around him. Integrity is a cornerstone of lasting success and a valuable asset in any endeavor.
Carnevale & Lohr’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and unwavering values. Their legacy continues to inspire generations of builders and entrepreneurs, reminding us that true success is built on a foundation of quality, integrity, and a deep commitment to those we love.
A Legacy Etched in Stone: Remembering Louie Carnevale,Master Craftsman and Faithful Servant
Louie Carnevale,a name synonymous with artistry,integrity,and unwavering faith,passed away recently,leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond the majestic marble and stone structures he crafted. his life,a testament to the power of hard work,compassion,and a deep connection to his community,resonated with those who knew him,inspiring countless individuals with his dedication to both his craft and his faith.
Carnevale’s journey began in the heart of Los Angeles, where he established a company that would become a cornerstone of the city’s architectural landscape. His firm, Carnevale & Lohr, specialized in stone and marble work, transforming ordinary materials into breathtaking works of art. From the majestic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels to countless churches,convents,and private residences,Carnevale’s touch graced some of the most iconic buildings in Southern California.
His work wasn’t merely about aesthetics; it was about imbuing spaces with a sense of reverence and grandeur. As Bishop Spyridon of Amastris, pastor emeritus of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, recalled, “A friendship was formed, and it was founded on a tremendous amount of love. It came from the heart.” This sentiment echoed throughout the tributes paid to Carnevale,highlighting his genuine warmth and the deep connections he forged with those around him.
Cardinal Roger Mahony, who worked closely with Carnevale on numerous projects, shared a poignant anecdote about the master craftsman’s profound respect for the materials he worked with. While overseeing the readiness of a marble slab destined to become the altar of the Cathedral of Our lady of the Angels, Carnevale was saddened to learn that the non-Christian workers involved had no understanding of its sacred purpose. ”It wasn’t just rock to Louie,” Cardinal Mahony said, emphasizing the spiritual importance Carnevale attributed to his work.
Carnevale’s commitment to his faith extended beyond his artistry. He believed in using his success to uplift others, notably those in need. when Cardinal Mahony mentioned a struggling parish that couldn’t afford necessary repairs, Carnevale responded with his signature wit, “they’ll get a bill they’ll be happy with.”
“Ever hear of Robin Hood?” he explained, outlining his plan to have wealthier parishes contribute to the upkeep of smaller ones. This act of generosity, driven by a deep sense of social responsibility, exemplified Carnevale’s unwavering belief in helping those less fortunate.
His dedication to his community earned him numerous accolades, including the Marble Institute of America’s Migliore Award in 2008 and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ Cardinal’s Award in 2010. These honors served as a testament to his exceptional talent, unwavering integrity, and profound impact on the lives of countless individuals.
Carnevale’s son, David, reminded the congregation at his father’s funeral of a guiding principle that shaped both his personal and professional life: “I have always believed you are who you are associated with.” This philosophy, deeply rooted in his belief in the power of community and collaboration, served as a guiding light throughout his life.
Louie Carnevale’s legacy extends far beyond the magnificent structures he built. He leaves behind a legacy of artistry, compassion, and unwavering faith, inspiring generations to come to strive for excellence, embrace their communities, and find meaning in their work. His story serves as a reminder that true success lies not only in achieving personal goals but also in using one’s talents and resources to make a positive impact on the world around us.Please provide me with the original news article so I can create the expanded article as per your instructions.
