Macomb County’s dining scene lost a key player this week with the loss of Luciano Gianino, the longtime owner of Luciano’s Italian Restaurant in Clinton Township. Mr. Gianino died Tuesday following an illness. He was 76. Known for his devotion and love for his family and the Italian eatery that bore his name, he was known as a kind and gracious business owner, according to customers and colleagues.

“With much sadness it is difficult to announce that we lost Luciano (Tuesday),” the restaurant said in a statement on their Facebook page. “He lived his life to the fullest and enjoyed every moment.” The restaurant on Garfield Road, north of 17 Mile Road, will be closed Tuesday, March 21 for the funeral service. Customers said he “made us all feel like we were going to our nonna’s (grandmother’s) for dinner.”