Hundreds of people attended a celebration of life Saturday for David “Mogie” Magill, a popular Lower Burrell restaurant owner who was shot and killed a little over two weeks ago.

And as family members and friends remembered of Magill, 64, it was clear to see what prompted the large turnout at the Lower Burrell VFW.

“(He had) so much love and passion for everyone, and that’s why everyone’s here,” said Terry McClain, a longtime friend.

Magill was the owner of Mogie’s Irish Pub in Lower Burrell. Friends and family say Magill was known throughout the community as a passionate supporter of first responders, civic organizations and school booster clubs.

He was shot and killed Dec. 21 outside his restaurant. The suspect, Nathan Salem, faces a preliminary hearing Feb. 14.

On Saturday, Magill’s family expressed gratitude for the community’s support. His three adult children remembered Magill’s love and passion for them, and his hard work and sacrifices he made for his children and family.

Jaclyn Shaw, sister-in-law of the late New Kensington police officer Brian Shaw, described Magill as loving, loyal, and unapologetically genuine. Magill was a part of the Officer Brian Shaw Foundation and AKV Back the Blue. Magill also supported the Fallen Officers Food Drive, which will continue in his honor at the restaurant Jan. 27.

“Mogie always had our backs,” Shaw said. “He always made us feel better about everything. And if you have Mogie on your side, you felt invincible, because he was fearless.”

The Rev. Dean Ward said Magill grew from his past to become “one of the most giving people this Valley has ever seen.”

“Mogie was a fighter,” Ward said, “but Mogie became one who loved very deeply. The love that Mogie had for his family and his children stood out above all else. He loved rich, he loved deep, he loved completely.”

While Mogie was sometimes controversial, what wasn’t controversial was how he helped others, and his passionate and pure love for others, said friend Ron Balla.

Magill was like a brother to Balla. Balla encouraged the crowd to love and give as Mogie did.

“May Mogie’s life continue to shine through each and every one of us, that was ever touched in some way by Mogie,” Balla said.

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