The family and staff at beloved local eatery Lomeli’s Italian Restaurant released a statement this week announcing the passing of beloved owner Carlo Lomeli.

“Carlo was more than the owner of this restaurant—he was the heart of our family and community,” the statement reads. “His kindness, generosity, and dedication touched the lives of so many, and his loss is deeply felt by all of us. As we grieve today, we kindly ask for your patience, compassion, and understanding. We respectfully ask that you refrain from asking our staff for details, as this is an incredibly difficult time for our team. We will be closing the restaurant early at 4:00 PM tomorrow, Tuesday, July 28th.”

The family thanked the community for its “continued support, kindness, and for keeping Carlo, his family, and all who loved him in your thoughts.”

Lomeli was always welcoming. Back in 2023, editor Gary Kohatsu reviewed Lomeli’s in these pages, writing, “Restaurant owner Carlo Lomeli greeted me and asked if I liked the salad. As I was finishing my last bite or two, I told him how much I enjoyed the salad and especially the dressing. I told him he should bottle and sell this fantastic dressing. Then he brought me a bottle of dressing (Mr. Lomeli told me the water in the dressing was VERY important). They have a shelf full of wonderful salad dressing right behind the register as you leave. I recommend you don’t leave without a bottle or two.”

Lomeli started his restaurant career in 1968, at age 14, as a busboy for Sala’s Italian Restaurant in Lawndale. He learned how to cook there and, by 18, he was the manager. In 1978, he bought Big Joe’s Italian Restaurant and, the following year, renamed it Lomali’s Italian Restaurant. The rest is history. Lomeli’s, to this day, is known for quality Italian fare, a traditional, family-friendly environment and very helpful staff.

Everyone at the Gardena Valley News sends our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.