YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Long-time patrons of a Youngstown restaurant are mourning the sudden loss of its owner.

For over 20 years, Nick Petrella has owned and operated The Boulevard Tavern on Southern Boulevard.

He was the third generation in his family to run the restaurant.

On Thursday morning employees were told the 65-year-old died overnight from a sudden heart attack.

Gordon Welsh has been coming to the restaurant since he was 12-years-old. The restaurant was his home away from home; even more so since his wife's passing.

"I sat with him for two hours the night before last and had a great time and he looked so well and he took care of himself," Welsh said.

Welsh's son, Kurt, was one of the many young people who waited tables at the Boulevard Tavern.

Petrella would only give young people jobs if they stayed in school.

"Nick Petrella was like a second father to all of us; good and bad. If you got into hot water, you'd call him and if things were good he was always there," Kurt Welsh said.

Business has declined over the years as the surrounding neighborhood has deteriorated, but there is one night that has always done well and that is Friday fish night.

The Boulevard's manager says he will try to keep the 75-year-old restaurant running and will discuss its future with Petrella's widow Francie.