Shooting death of well-known Lower Burrell pub owner shocks residents

The death of well-known restaurant and bar owner David “Mogie” Magill left residents in Lower Burrell and beyond reeling.

Magill, owner of Magill’s Grill and Mogie’s Irish Pub, was gunned down about 9 a.m. Thursday as he arrived at his business.

“We’re all devastated, shocked, saddened and heartbroken,” said Wendy Weiss Koulouris of Lower Burrell.

“Mogie was one of our biggest supporters of our kids,” she said, referring to the Burrell High School Drama Club.

“He donated food for every Drama Club tech week meal we served. He was the first to take part in any fundraiser,” Koulouris said. “He delivered food to me when I had surgery.”

Magill even extended an invitation to the stage at Mogie’s to Koulouris’ daughter, a musician.

“He supported so many local musicians and welcomed our daughter to play one of her first shows at his place,” Koulouris said. “He will be so missed.”

Ron Balla, president of Alle-Kiski Valley Back the Blue, said Magill was like a “big brother” to him. They had known each other since the 1980s.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met somebody with such a big heart, and I don’t think I ever will,” Balla said.

Magill did many things to help many people, Balla said, which was just the type of person he was.

“The impact that he made on Lower Burrell is insurmountable,” Balla said. “In this part of the county, he made such an impact.”

Remembered by candlelight

A candlelight vigil Thursday night outside Wildlife Lanes, a bowling alley about 100 yards from Mogie’s, drew hundreds of people.

Lower Burrell firefighters came out in force and brought their firetrucks to show their support.

“Mogie was a big supporter of first responders,” said Assistant Fire Chief Shane Morris. “Always had our backs and helping us with fundraisers. Always donating money toward our tip boards. And he was a huge part in our police family and helping them out.

“It’s a tragic loss to everybody in this city. … (The vigil) makes people know that he was loved throughout the community and other areas as well.”

A sign that read “He asked for so little, but gave so very much,” signed by Burrell youth wrestlers, was placed on the front of a firetruck. Others in the crowd also signed it.

A woman brought a bouquet of flowers with a small American flag.

. The formal ceremony was less than a half-hour. However, people were there for hours comforting one another, embracing and sharing stories despite temperatures just above freezing.

The crowd sang “Amazing Grace,” and the Rev. Dean Ward of The River Church in New Kensington offered prayer with a message of love and community.

Magill was a member of the church and attended services regularly before the pandemic, the pastor said.

“Mogie was a force for good in this community,” Ward said. “That good has to continue through each of us. I’m overwhelmed with how many people showed up. They remind each other that we’re not alone and that we can lean into each other, and we have each other during times of deep loss.”

The vigil was organized by Karen Taylor of Lower Burrell and friends Terry McClain and Leslie Zellers. They had known Magill for years.

“He’s just the most down-to-earth guy,” Taylor said. “He’s a jokester, loved people, loved his community. I think that was something that really drew me to him as a person. He had a passion for first responders and local (police departments).”

More community reaction

Magill was passionate in supporting law enforcement and was vice president of A-K Valley Back the Blue. He helped raise money and support families after the fatal shootings of Lower Burrell police Officer Derek Kotecki, New Kensington police Officer Brian Shaw and Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire.

Balla remembered a trip he took to Shanksville with Magill for an event for the Tunnels to Towers Foundation. The foundation supports wounded veterans and first responders. A-K Valley Back the Blue also donates to Tunnels to Towers.

Magill and Balla were honored to attend. Magill was moved by hearing the stories and impact from people, Balla said, which exemplified the person Magill was.

Magill “was like an unofficial city official,” said Lower Burrell Councilman David Stoltz. “He was so involved with everything.”

In addition to supporting A-K Valley Back the Blue and the Officer Derek Kotecki and Brian Shaw events, he supported local organizations and school fundraisers, Stoltz said.

Magill and Stoltz were good friends, he said, and they knew each other for more than 20 years.

“You can’t say enough good about him. His whole life revolved around community events,” Stoltz said.

When Stoltz decided to run for city council in 2021, he ran the idea by Magill. Magill connected him with Councilman Chris Fabry; the two recently spearheaded the revitalization of Burrell Plaza, a project Magill supported.

“Every aspect of what he did was supportive of the city,” Stoltz said. “That’s just who he was.”

Fabry said Magill was a huge supporter of Lower Burrell.

Fabry remembered Magill calling him earlier in the week to talk about some Facebook drama from the weekend, and to make sure Fabry was good with everything. Fabry said he won’t forget the way Magill reinforced his support for the positive work being done in the city — while also taking a jab at the subject of his ire.

“Mogie may have been a polarizing figure, but his contributions to Lower Burrell, our first responders and our youth organizations are inarguable,” Fabry said.

Magill’s loss will be felt by the community for a long time, Fabry said.

“’Mog’ hosted so many fundraisers and community events and was visible and actively engaged in them all,” Fabry said. “It won’t feel right at the Fallen Officer food drive, Back the Blue or Shaw Concert Series when he’s not there.”

State Rep. Abby Major, R-Leechburg, has an office in Lower Burrell and posted a lengthy, heartfelt tribute on her Facebook page in honor of her friend.

“I am absolutely sick over the loss of my friend, Mogie, this morning,” Major wrote. “Even though he could be quite controversial at times, he had a pure heart and was dedicated to serving the community of Lower Burrell — especially the police.”

State Rep. Jill Cooper, R-Westmoreland, said Magill’s death is a loss for the entire community.

“I am beyond devastated to hear of the senseless tragedy that claimed the life of my friend, Mogie,” Cooper said. “He loved Lower Burrell and the surrounding communities, often giving time and resources for no other reason than a sense of neighborhood pride. This is a loss of a community advocate and beloved friend.

“One of Dave’s efforts included helping the Officer Brian Shaw Foundation, an organization created to help first responders and honor the life of a fallen police officer. He appreciated the sacrifice and dedication of all those who made our communities safe.

“To him, ‘Back the Blue’ was much more than a catchphrase for the back of a T-shirt. Today is certainly a dark day. He will not only be missed by his family, but by the many, many people who had the pleasure of knowing him.”

Magill often supported conservative causes and was known for his support of former President Donald Trump. He also was critical of some Biden administration policies.

But it isn’t politics that comes to mind when friends remember Magill.

“Dec. 21, 2023, is a somber day in Lower Burrell,” Mayor John Andrejcik said.

Andrejcik said he met Magill more than 35 years ago.

Magill was a big part of the city and “never ceased giving back” to the community, Andrejcik said. He was extremely involved in local police foundations and fundraisers, local youth sports fundraisers and other community events.

“I don’t know anyone that has given more back to the community than David Magill,” Andrejcik said.

Allegheny Township Supervisor James Morabito owns Morabito Motors, which is across from Mogie’s on Wildlife Lodge Road.

Morabito said the news of Magill’s death was difficult to process.

“I’m truly in shock that someone could do such a senseless act of violence to an individual that helped everyone. A devoted family man, Mogie always had a smile on his face speaking about his children,” Morabito said. “The hardest-working businessman, I’d always see him at his business first thing in the morning, and I’d see him there until late at night every day, including weekends. I will truly miss our daily conversations. Rest in peace, Mogie.”

Freeport Mayor Zack Gent reacted to the news of Magill’s death with horror.

“The Valley is just so small, you get to know everyone. I feel horrible. My ex-wife was working across the street and heard the whole thing,” Gent said. “I can’t think of anyone within the Valley who did more for our law enforcement than Mogie. He never let a widow of a fallen officer go without.

“There are good guys and then there are the greatest guys — and he was one of the greatest guys.”

Jennifer Petrilla of Oklahoma Borough described her friend Mogie as an amazing man.

“I know he just handed out money to parents that didn’t have any for Christmas just last week,” Petrilla said. “He has sponsored so much in the Alle-Kiski Valley and always made you feel like family.”

Magill was one of a kind and “one of the most good-hearted people you’d ever meet,” said friend Eric Felack of New Kensington.

Felack said Magill had strong political views but was welcoming, generous and accommodating to all.

“If somebody was in need, he was there,” Felack said. “He was first in line.

“The impact the entire community is going to feel won’t be fully known for quite a while. But I can assure you it’s going to be felt very strongly.”

Lower Burrell Councilwoman Brandy Grieff met Magill 18 years ago.

“If he knew you, he knew you,” Grieff said. “He was just such a good person.”

Grieff recalled a time when she was pregnant with her son, and she was craving Mogie’s lobster ravioli. She and her husband went to dinner at Mogie’s, and Magill asked if she had a name for her baby yet.

Grieff didn’t, but she knew she wanted something Irish.

Magill went to serve other customers and came back with a name idea — Grady.

“I snapped my fingers and said, ‘That’s it!’ ” Grieff said.

She gave birth to her son, Grady Alexander, two days after that conversation.

Lower Burrell Company No. 3 Fire Chief Brennan Sites met Magill when he moved to Lower Burrell in 2016.

“From that moment, he always came through to support the community and the schools as well,” Sites said.

He said the death is a big loss to the community because of Magill’s unselfish acts that most people don’t know about, such as his support to clubs in the school district, or police and fire departments.

“He didn’t publicize about 90% of what he did,” Sites said. “He did it because that’s who he was.”