CAPE CORAL — On Tuesday, the Cape Coral community remembered Mayor Joe Coviello.
He was laid to rest following a memorial service at Cape Christian Fellowship Church. We saw an outpouring of love and support for Mayor Coviello and his family there Monday. Coviello died unexpectedly last week from a sudden medical condition, and at the service, we heard from his family for the first time.
"He was truly one of a kind. The best man I have ever met. My heart aches to know that God needed another angel," said Diane Coviello, Mayor Coviello's wife.
"Joe was the glue that held our family together. He always had a positive outlook on life, providing guidance and encouragement," said Ross Coviello, Mayor Coviello's son.
Outside the service, some found it difficult to put their feelings into words.
"Way too soon, way too soon. We had a lot of work to do in the next four years," said Lee County Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass.
As Coviello embarked on his final journey to Coral Ridge Cemetery, surrounded by loved ones, several people told us this is not just a loss for City Council. It’s a loss for the whole community.
"He was a big advocate for my daughter’s school, PACE Center for Girls, and he was, he had the biggest heart," said Cape Coral City Council Member Jennifer Nelson.
"Involved with the Little League and the Pop Warner Football programs, so you know, outside of the job, Joe was truly all in in the community," said Wally Ilczyszyn, a retired Cape Coral city employee.
A community, that on Monday, was all in for him.
"He’ll be sorely missed, believe me. By all those who knew him," said Ilczyszyn
Mayor Coviello’s family has asked anyone who would like to wish him well to make a donation to either the Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship Fund, or the Cape Coral Animal Shelter.
