02/16/2026
Robert Bernard "Corky" Carnevale
Robert Bernard Carnevale (Corky) of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away Thursday, February 12, 2026. He was 78.
Corky was born February 24, 1947 to Agnes Curran Carnevale and Bernard "Ben" Louis Carnevale. Growing up in Annapolis, Maryland, he was the oldest son (and head troublemaker) of five children: big sister Jeanne and three younger brothers, Dan, David, and Mark.
While it may have surprised the nuns from his high school, Corky was an insatiable and inspiring lifelong learner. He studied journalism at the University of South Carolina, where he also played basketball for legendary coach Frank McGuire and forged friendships that endured for the rest of his life. Flashing forward four decades, he returned to school and earned a Master's degree in special education at the ripe old age of 64, and was featured in the Charleston Post and Courier in his cap and gown. He was a voracious reader, preferring books about sports and history and biographies. Most recently, Corky took culinary classes at Trident Tech in pursuit of the perfect cannoli.
Corky began his career in real estate in 1971 in Greenville, SC, with Ewing-Hungiville Realty and Construction. In the late 1970's, he moved his family to Charleston and went to work with Joe Griffith, Inc. in their commercial division. He was a broker with the Ravenel Agency since 2016 and never stopped working. He was in the office (and out of the house) three days a week until the very end, in part because of a tireless work ethic, in part to maintain his happy marriage.
He volunteered countless hours for organizations and causes that he cared about, serving as a member of the Disabilities Board of Charleston County, a volunteer on the USS Yorktown at the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, a founding member of the Rotary Club of Daniel Island, served on the board of the South Carolina Special Olympics, and, most importantly, coach of the Big Dogs basketball team.
At home, Corky loved building a fire in the fireplace. In fact, he was like a human hearth - everyone wanted to gather around him and soak up the warmth and joy that he radiated. His natural gift for storytelling and a well-delivered joke could lift any room. Throughout his life, he was a great socializer, the life of every party, and not infrequently a mischievous instigator. Time spent with him was always memorable. He was an entertaining and exceptionally loyal friend.
Family and friends described Corky's appetite for his many passions as infectious. Always first to the dinner table, he loved food -- a shrimp cocktail (extra horseradish) and his mother's spaghetti recipe. He had a keen eye for all sorts of things -- real estate, architecture, furniture, clothing -- with a sharp, unique personal style. And he was as competitive playing spoons with his grandkids as he was on the tennis or basketball court.
He was strong-willed, confident, and relentless when focused on a goal -- there was nothing halfway about him. And yet he was, in his own way, open-minded and curious, willing to listen to others and change his opinion. He was fiercely proud of his three accomplished (and opinionated) daughters and excelled at being a grandfather to both babies and teenagers alike.
Corky lived his life with relish, always looking ahead to the next big thing with excitement and optimism. We know that now, he is tackling his Next Big Thing with characteristic gusto, reuniting with his parents and brother Mark, making new friends, and having a grand old time.
Corky is survived by the love of his life, his devoted wife Karen; his obstinate daughters Kate, Maggie, and Carrie; his loving siblings Jeanne, Dan, and David; his amazing grandchildren, Peter, Ellie, Casey, and Wesley; as well as countless friends and extended family members who will miss him terribly.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church (1204 Middle St, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482). The family will greet friends one hour prior to the Mass. A celebration of life will be held the same day at 1:00 PM at the Carolina Yacht Club (50 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401), because Corky's life was too big for just one final send-off.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Corky's name can be made to the Special Olympics: SC Area 6 (204 Palmetto Park Boulevard, Lexington, SC 29072).
And follow Corky's advice and example: "Sit a minute and think of something you can do for someone less fortunate than you. And then do it!"
Arrangements by James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston. (843) 766-1365.
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