Owner Of Popular Pittsburgh Bar Dies

PITTSBURGH, PA — Steve Kopy, the owner of Kopy's, an unpretentious bar in the South Side known for its eclectic mix of patrons, died Wednesday. He was 53.

According to online tributes posted as word of his death spread, Kopy died of COVID-19 complications.

Kopy's, located on South 12th Street, never attempted to compete with the trendy nightspots nearby on bustling East Carson Street. It built a steady clientele over the years for its reputation for being a place where a beer, perhaps coupled with a shot, could be enjoyed inexpensively.

The bar also was the scene of an infamous 2018 brawl between members of the Pagans biker gang and undercover city police officers. Kopy last year sued the city, Mayor Bill Peduto, Police Chief Scott Schubert and the officers involved in the fight. Kopy asserted that the officers started the altercation.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

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