CAPE CORAL, Fla. — The City of Cape Coral has announced the passing of former District 2 Council Member John Carioscia.
The former councilmember passed away Sunday due to complications from COVID-19.
Cape Coral council members remember John Carioscia for his outspoken nature at meetings. They said he didn’t hold back his opinion on several issues.
From his frustration over the Matlacha annexation debate…
“I say sell it!” said Carioscia in a December 2019 council meeting.
To his support of former Cape Coral City Manager John Szerlag…
“They will also see that our city manager and our city business manager have been vindicated,” he said in January 2020.
Carioscia represented District 2 from 2012 until 2020. Councilmember Tom Hayden, District 3 said he was sad to learn Carioscia had died. He sent Fox 4 the following statement:
“It’s very sad to learn of the passing of council member John Carioscia. Having just battled COVID myself, I know how difficult this virus can be. John loved his community and enjoyed his two terms serving the residents. Coming from a law enforcement background, his pride and joy was always the police department, and under his leadership, police were able to grow and thrive.”
Councilman Dan Sheppard said Carioscia didn’t hold back.
“Everything he supported, he supported 100%. He never backed down,” he said.
Sheppard succeeded the now late councilman last year.
“I can tell you he was good at his job, and he was a stern, strong leader,” he said.
Mayor John Gunter shared his thoughts on Carioscia’s passing in a statement:
“He cared deeply about our city and we are grateful for his dedication, leadership, and many contributions to our Cape Coral community. I extend my deepest condolences to the Carioscia family and ask our community to pray for John’s family during this very difficult time.”
A Cape Coral spokesperson said Carioscia died after battling COVID-19; another issue he was very vocal about.
“We have a highly contagious virus. It’s out there. It is killing people!” said Carioscia in an emergency council meeting to discuss a mask ordinance.
Attending the July meeting virtually, he gave one last plea to mandate mask-wearing in the city before the motion failed.
“If it only saves 10 percent of the 10,000, and doubling the numbers of the patients that are out there, it’s damn well worth it,” he said.
It’s unclear for how long Carioscia had COVID-19, but a spokesperson for the city says he was on a ventilator.
It is with profound sadness to learn of John’s Passing. He cared deeply about our city and we are grateful for his dedication, leadership, and many contributions to our Cape Coral community. I extend my deepest condolences to the Carioscia family and ask our community to pray for John’s family during this very difficult time
Funeral arrangements are pending according to the city.
