EP's Renaissance Man Fixing Pierce Stadium

John Carnevale considers himself basically shy. "I was really kind of shy in school and continue to be more on the shy side," Carnevale said during a recent interview at East Providence's iconic Pierce Stadium. However, ask the East Providence High 2000 graduate how he feels about his hometown and he will speak volumes about his passions. Pierce Memorial Stadium was built under the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a New Deal agency of the Federal Government during the 1930’s. Completed in November of 1939, the stadium cost $300,000. The field bears the name of one of East Providence's most prominent former residents, W.B. Pierce who had bequeathed a trust fund to the town to save this land specifically for recreational use. On November 30, 1939 Pierce Memorial Stadium opened to the public in time for the traditional Thanksgiving Day football game between East Providence and La Salle Academy.

In 1941 Pierce Stadium was the site of two baseball hitting demonstrations; one by Babe Ruth on September 2nd and the other by Ted Williams the following day. A plaque commemorating the event is located just inside the memorial gate which is flanked by two bronze tablets at the entrance to the stadium. Erected with contributions obtained from alumni, faculty, students and supportive individuals, it honors the 2125 students and alumni of East Providence High School who served in World War II and the 76 war dead. Dedication of the gates took place on June 6, 1948 in a small ceremony conducted by James E. Bates, EPHS principal and Louis Faber, the famous football coach. Mr. Farber noted that East Providence was the "first community in the state to have within its borders a living war memorial."

Through the years Pierce has seen varying levels of maintenance support. The recently departed state budget commission refused to allow any expenditures for park security or general field maintenance and upkeep. The Reporter had learned some time ago that there wasn't even money allotted for grass seed or paint or basic supplies. Stadium manager Joe Medeiros relied on some donations to be able to work on the football and other ball fields on the complex. "Joe Medeiros is the greatest," said Carnevale. "I grew up on this field since I was 6 years old. Joe Medeiros always looked after us. I've never seen anyone work harder than Joe, he is amazing," said Carnevale as he walked around and gestured toward the stadium grounds. "Joe works magic to keep this place presentable."

After the budget commission left and Paul Lemont returned as acting city manager, there has been a marked effort to improve city infrastructure. Lemont has made a point to target Pierce Field and other areas for capital improvements. However long time observers of city government know that much work remains to be done to restore East Providence's aging facilities.

Enter young Mr. Carnevale. Since graduating from East Providence High in 2000, John Carnevale has been busy changing the world brick by brick. Carnevale was a star three sport athlete at EPHS and very bright. He received an engineering degree from the prestigious Worcester Polytechnic Institute and worked for many years as an engineer for Raytheon based in San Diego. The Reporter has previously chronicled Carnevale's dedication to helping those less fortunate in the world. During a solo humanitarian trip to Uganda in 2009, he witnessed first-hand how the lack of basic medical care in the third world could turn a preventable disease into a childhood killer. Carnevale, himself, contracted an aggressive strand of malaria. While sick with the virus, he made the promise to a Ugandan friend of returning to the US, saving his own money he made an as engineer, and then returning to Uganda to build a hospital for those in need. After living in a car for a year saving his salary, he returned to Uganda to build The Donna Carnevale Medical Center, named after his mother "as a tribute to her unselfish lifestyle." In addition to building a hospital, Carnavale also constructed a small guest house for parents and families of sick children to stay in while their patients are hospitalized. Carnevale named the guest house after his grandmother, Camilla Carnevale.

"I hold the city of East Providence so very close to my heart, as do I with my loyal friends and my wonderful family. When I see our hometown struggling I feel nothing more than obligated to step up and help see it to better times. I want to do something amazing for the East Providence Community and most importantly for our greatest resource, our kids," said Carnevale. "When I saw that my EP was going bankrupt, I felt obligated to help. He assembled a group of volunteers and held parties to raise money as he oversaw the complete renovation of gyms at East Providence High School as well as Martin and Riverside Middle Schools. He also renovated an outdoor basketball court at Martin Middle and helped to work on projects upgrading technology and academic classrooms and labs in the city. Carnevale doesn't waste any time. He went to the city council this past April and offered to the council that he wanted to improve the conditions at Pierce Field. Carnevale gave the city a proposal that he said would completely renovate the much used Pierce basketball and tennis court area. "We will pour every bit of our hearts into the designs, logos, and special features to totally transform Pierce Memorial Field and take this amazing project to a whole new level," Carnevale pledged. "Keep a keen eye out, and watch the magic unfold! Our youth deserves the best, so let's all make the necessary sacrifices to ensure that happens," he said.

Carnevale, the talented engineer, designed colorful new court logos and other amenities to the cracked and failing tennis and basketball courts. He also did a lot of the physical work himself although once again he could count on his "family of volunteers" as they work on the project day and night. "This is where we get people together and get it done. No arguing, just working with love to make this happen," he said. If the city tried to do this project alone or with traditional methods, it would have cost $100,000 or more. Carnevale pledges to get the job done for $30,000 or less. "The city appropriated $15,000 toward the project and we'll take care of the rest," he said. These costs do not include Carnevale's and friends labor which is done for free. Carnevale has sponsored some fund raisers but is low key on that front. "I know things are tough financially for many, so we don't push the issue."

"We've been able to rally the community behind the scenes, we will get this done on time and at or under cost," Carnevale says with confidence. "Our schedules are aggressive and on time. We want the kids to have these projects as soon as possible," says the engineer turned philanthropist. "It's all about unity and love for this city."

When asked about prior strife in the city politically and about prior objections from union workers who may have feared loss of jobs with this kind of volunteerism, Carnevale shakes his head and smiles. "We don't point fingers, we're not about blame, I'm just here to help," he said. In fact many custodians and union workers from the schools and city are now helping Carnevale with his efforts to renovate the schools and Pierce.

This is a great city. This place (Pierce) was well built back in the day. I love it here, we need to help it now. I promise the best outdoor tennis and basketball courts in Rhode Island," he states proudly. "You know, this isn't rocket science. We need to empower people and teach others to take risks." Carnevale has purchased NBA break-away basketball rims and will improve lighting and install some bleacher seats courtside. "These tennis and basketball courts will 'pop' with color and cool logos. These will be the only lighted tennis courts in our city."

The Carnevale Pierce project comes after the city has changed its' summer playground program a couple of years ago from a neighborhood structure to just one for all at Pierce Field. The city now offers a summer camp for East Providence youth to be held at Pierce Field from July 6th - August 14th. The Camp operates rain or shine, Mon.- Fri. from 8:30am - 3:30pm. The camp for children ages 6-12 costs $55 per week. This years' campers will find a very special complex waiting for them.

Both the project completion and a grand opening gala were scheduled to occur just before the June issue of this paper. "We are planning a spectacular "Fitness Fest" to open the new park. We turn everything Blue (the court's colors) and plan for the MONSTER EVENT on May 31st. Great stuff!" said an excited Carnevale. "We are way ahead of a very aggressive schedule, this team is poised to turn this once rundown facility into the best in Rhode Island. Teamwork, Brotherhood, and unity are the true foundation of this grassroots effort and the building blocks to any successful project," Carnevale said. East Providence's other young entrepreneur and EPHS graduate, KRob - Kevin Robinson will be on hand with demonstrations.

"One of the sweetest feelings I have felt is being surrounded by so many loving friendships and being loved by a family so unique. To me, it puts me on "Cloud 9", a place where I feel everything is possible! Thank you to everyone who has given their heart to this community, you are all so beautiful and are the true reason the impossible will always become a colorful reality! Let's all keep going strong," Carnevale adds.

And what is next for East Providence's evangelical and charismatic youthful community organizer. The brilliant engineer with the dreadlocks and colorful hats, the young man who has pulled together young and old, political and non-political, the Townie who has directed the design and completion of over $500,000 worth of infrastructure improvements to a city teetering on the brink of financial ruin.

Carnevale has left his job at Raytheon for the moment. While he shies away from specifics, he has given away most - if not all of his money and has no real income. "I couldn't continue to live a great (highly paid) life knowing how people are starving in the world and my EP was hurting," said Carnevale with a sincere passionate resonance in his voice. "My background and education will help me get another job someday but right now I have some things to do," he said as he grabbed some tools getting back to work at Pierce. "Never be afraid to be the change when times get tough in your family, your city, or your country," added Carnevale.

"There is no doubt one of our primary goals is to make our hometown a more beautiful place for the youth and our families, but maybe the most important goal of all is to educate, empower, and instill confidence in its people through this huge grassroots campaign. This project is certainly accomplishing many of those feats and it doesn't hurt to see a beautiful transformation unfold as the hard work from many carries on. This is what our East Providence Family calls "Townie Pride".

As we concluded our interview with Mr. Carnevale he made special note of where his motivation comes from. "My family is my foundation. I was raised with a great family. In school I would have over 70 people coming to support me at games. My parents are my inspiration," said Carnevale. "My Dad is something else, he is the 'Iron Man'. My Mom is an angel, so special," he said. "My family, my Townie Pride. It makes me who I am."

Carnevale said he is ready to move on shortly. "I have other projects in mind, some in EP and some far away," he said. "Think globally and act locally. I'll always come back to East Providence." Rumor has a major Carnevale humanitarian project in the works outside of USA borders. The Reporter will continue to follow this man and his amazing efforts. You can read prior Carnevale stories by searching prior issues.

(Others helping John Carnevale at Pierce are: Jarett Cronan, Bobby Britto-Oliveira, Monty Valles, Derek Valles, Tim Bass, Andrew J Brum, Dwayne Wilkerson, KJ Harrison-Lombardi, Tyshawn Raquan Alexander, Marlin DaCruz, Trayquawn Thornton, Melvin DaCruz and Jeremey Pereira - among several others.)