Michael Joseph Carnell II

United States Marine Corps Sergeant Michael Joseph Carnell II passed away in February of 2024 after a three-year battle with stage IV cancer.

Carnell was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts and raised in South Boston. Born to a large Irish Catholic family, he often spent time with his family, celebrating holidays and going on trips together. Since he was a young child, Carnell loved sports, and played baseball, soccer and hockey, enjoying his time with teammates and friends around the neighborhood. He also enjoyed watching sports, spending time at the lake, skiing, drawing, and playing with cars. In the Fall of 2002, Carnell met his wife, Gabriella while working for the Dallas Stars Hockey team, him as a member of the game day staff, and her as a Dallas Stars Ice Girl.

Sergeant Carnell joined the Marine Corps in the Fall of 1998 in hopes of bettering his future. He served in the Marines for seven and a half years as a Rifleman and Anti-Tank Assaultman, before continuing his career as an administrative and Personnel Clerk in the Marine Corps Reserves. In 2004, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF). He achieved the rank of Sergeant before his honorable discharge in February of 2006. A highly decorated Marine, Carnell earned many awards, including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4th award), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ “M” Device, National Defense Service Medal, Select Marine Corps Reserve Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Expert Rifle Badge, Pistol Sharpshooter Badge, Grey Belt in MCMAP, and several Letters of Commendation/Appreciation. Carnell loved the sense of brotherhood he experienced in the Marine Corps, as well as the knowledge he gained from his time of service. He also enjoyed exploring the world while on active duty and in training.

In January of 2021, Carnell was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer that had metastasized in his liver and later spread to his lymph nodes. He completed over 100 chemo treatments, with no option of surgery due to the location of the tumors in his body. After a valiant and lengthy battle, Carnell succumbed to his illness in February 2024, just before his 47th birthday, at home surrounded by his loved ones.

Currently, Gabriella and their children reside in Texas. They are heavily involved in their community, attending and volunteering at local military and first responder events. After witnessing her husband’s brave fight with cancer, she and her children are ensuring that they take care of their mental and physical health so that they can continue to embrace Carnell’s empowering legacy and share their experience with others who are still fighting. Gabriella states that the donation of a mortgage-free home from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has been a blessing, allowing her and her family to remain in their forever home and grieve the loss of their patriarch. Finally, Gabriella would like to note that Carnell inspired many throughout his journey while also being their protector, and loved his family immensely.

A catchphrase of Carnell’s, “Love Ya Kehd,” spoken in a Boston accent, lives on in the hearts of his family, and is tattooed on fourteen of his family members as a physical reminder of his love.

Marine Corps Sergeant Michael Joseph Carnell II leaves behind his wife of twenty years, Gabriella, and their three children.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided the Carnell family with a mortgage-free home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.