In Memoriam: Greenwich Restauranteur Luca Gabriele

From Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home.

Luca Gabriele, 79, restaurateur and owner of Luca’s Steak House, presently Gabriele’s Italian Steakhouse of Greenwich, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 8, 2015.

Luca was born on April 18, 1936 in Ripanchandia Providinzia di Potenza, Italy to Antonio and Antonette Ferreara Gabriele.

He entered the Italian Roma Army when he was 20 years old and served for two years. When he returned, he married to his beloved wife Gemma Leone on September 27 1959. They’ve been happily married for 56 years.

Luca relocated from Italy to the United States in 1961. Upon settling in Greenwich, he worked as a chef at Manero’s Steakhouse for 20 years prior to opening Luca’s Steak House in 1982. Luca was known for his generosity and kindness. He was an extraordinary man who overcame many obstacles in his life with his strong will and perseverance. He was a loving family man who worked incredibly hard to ensue a life well lived.

He’s survived by his loving wife Gemma Leone Gabriele, his children Antonette D’Elia, Lisa (husband Francesco) Dipietro, and Danny (wife Suzanne) Gabriele. His loving brother Giovanni (wife Antonia) Gabriele, Maria Greco, and the late Dolorato Labriola Gabriele. And his 8 grandchildren Dane, Kristin and Kaitlin D’Elia, Luca jr. Lara and Ava Gabriele, Gabriella and Joseph Dipietro.

To honor Luca’s life family and friends will gather Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Coxe and Graziano Funeral Home 134 Hamilton Ave., Greenwich. The funeral Mass is on Monday 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s R.C Church, followed by interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Yale University with Yale transplant center c/o Mindy Boyum, Yale School of Medicine, P.O Box 7611, New Haven, CT 06519.