Douglas Carnevale

Douglas Martin Carnevale of Belmont, Michigan, age 85, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026, surrounded by his family after a valiant battle with cancer.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1941, Douglas moved with his family to Holland, Michigan, in 1950 at the age of nine. In 1961, he relocated to Grand Rapids, where he began working at Michigan Tag Company. It was there that he met his first wife, Lynne VanLeeuwen, beginning the next chapter of a life that would be defined by hard work, family, and lifelong friendships.

Douglas lived a full and meaningful life built on dedication, wisdom, and love for the people around him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Josephine Carnevale; brother, Victor Carnevale; sister-in-law, Mary Frances Carnevale; brothers-in-law, Don Harris and Bill Rotan; and his beloved son, Martin Gregory Carnevale.

Doug is survived by his companion, Sharon McCleary; daughters, Christine Carnevale and Maria (Don) Myles; son by choice, John Norman; grandchildren, Sean (Sara) Norman, Caitlin Johnson, and Syler (fiancée Sierrah) Moser; great-grandchildren, Lexi, Gabe, Avery, Emma, and Dawson; siblings, Gregory (Diane) Carnevale, Marcy (Steve) Christopher, Mary Harris, Sharron Anne Peters, Cathi Rotan and sister-in-law, Pat Torbett; and many nieces and nephews.

Douglas was a man who left an impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was an exceptional father figure, not only through the love and guidance he gave his own children, but through the example he set for those around him. The people who grew up with and around his family became compassionate, caring, and successful members of their communities because of the values he helped instill.

Doug welcomed everyone he met with kindness and generosity. He will be remembered for his wisdom, compassion, forgiveness, and generosity. He had a unique ability to guide people back onto the right path when they needed it most. He was firm when necessary, sometimes stubborn until the very end, but always because he cared deeply and wanted the best for those around him.

Throughout his life, Douglas was extremely hardworking and dedicated. After leaving his sales position at Prudential insurance, he went on to work for Waterfield Mortgage, where he worked his way up to a Sr. VP, before retiring in the early 90s.  When he returned from his boating adventure a few years later, Douglas and his former wife Trish, built a successful real estate appraisal business, Carnevale Appraisals, where he was an accomplished appraiser, before fully retiring in 2020. His commitment to his work reflected the same qualities he brought to everything he did: integrity, perseverance, and pride in doing things the right way.

Outside of work, Doug enjoyed a life full of passions and friendships. He loved golfing every week with his league of lifelong friends and enjoyed watching professional golf, following every tour he could. He was also a devoted Detroit Tigers fan, watching as many games as possible—even through difficult seasons—because he never lost hope.

Doug had a special bond with his dog, Keera, who brought him endless joy and companionship. Whether she was running away and sending him on hours-long searches or proudly returning home with a questionable “gift” like half of a deer leg that required every breath mint in the house, she was a source of laughter, comfort, and love in his life.

Some of the most treasured memories with Doug were the simple moments: spontaneous breakfasts, family dinners, and backyard barbecues at Grandpa’s house. There was nothing he loved more than having his family gathered around the dinner table, sharing stories, laughter, and time together.

Doug was also an adventurer. He loved traveling, boating, and creating memories along the way. One of his greatest adventures was setting sail down the Mississippi River to Florida and making the journey back along the East Coast during a two-year voyage. He loved fishing with his friends, sharing stories and laughter on the water, but he cherished fishing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren even more. Those moments gave him the opportunity to pass along his love of the outdoors while creating memories that his family will carry with them forever.

Doug valued relationships and made an effort to stay connected with old classmates and lifelong friends. He loved meeting for meals, reminiscing about the past, and creating new memories with the people who mattered most.

According to Doug’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A joint Celebration of Life honoring Douglas Martin Carnevale and his son, Martin Gregory Carnevale, will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Thousand Oaks Golf Club, 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.

Douglas Martin Carnevale lived a remarkable life filled with love, lessons, laughter, and memories that will continue through the generations he helped shape. He will be remembered with love by those who knew him and forever cherished by the family who surrounded him during his final hours.

His wisdom, kindness, and legacy will live on in all those whose lives he touched.