Nick Lucido (Family photo)

Nick Lucido, of St. Clair Shores, who for more than four decades owned and operated Nick Lucido Wholesale Produce Co., and showed up religiously at Eastern Market around 5 or 6 a.m. to get produce for his customers, died Saturday after battling pancreatic cancer. He was 68.

Lucido wasn’t famous, but among his friends, family, and customers he was more than that: a big, warm personality who embraced his Italian culture and left an indelible mark, often greeting people with a friendly handshake or hug and a “hey bro.” He also embodied the Detroit spirit — unpretentious, hardworking, honest, and filled with good humor.

“Nick was always a warm and loving, sincere guy,” said friend Rose Fenster. “He loved his Heineken. He loved his family and was so proud of them,

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