Former Norwalk mayor dies of COVID-19

Luigi Vernola, the former Norwalk mayor and council member who served on the city council throughout the span of more than two decades, died from COVID-19, according to posts on social media.

Vernola’s death marks the second passing of a former Norwalk council member within a year. Marcial Rodriguez, who served on the city council from 1982-1990, died early in 2020.

The California state senator representing the 32nd District, which includes cities of Norwalk, Downey and Whittier, said the community has suffered a tremendous loss.

“My deepest condolences to the entire Vernola family as they grieve, not only Luigi, but his brother, and son-in-law, as all three men died of COVID-19,” Archuleta said in a Facebook post. “He was a good friend who will be greatly missed by the entire community.”