Kay Pasterick
Former tavern owner Catherine "Kay" Pasterick (1925-2005) wasn’t shy about sharing her opinions with the press. Kay’s views could resonate during any administration; simply change the party affiliation and insert name here ____.
From the editorial pages of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 20+ years ago we read Kay’s message, “Raise money for us. If the president and vice president would campaign around the country to do something constructive for the people, I would have no resentment. But to help raise money for inept, unqualified, and lazy politicians is wrong. Mr. President, have a campaign and donate the money for the senior citizens who have to decide between food or medication, for the homeless and for those who are not qualified for higher paying jobs. After all, who wants to be bombarded by empty promises, trashing opponents, and a lot of hot air?”
She also wrote, “The Great Wall of China has withstood many centuries of weather, erosion and travel. Why can't a road built in Pennsylvania last longer than one year?”
Nick Magun (1881-1933) seated holding Catherine "Kay" Magun. Her mother Anastasia (1891-1980) along with their other children Daniel (b. 1914), Mary (b.1920), Anna (b.1922) and Samuel (b.1916). Photo courtesy Nick's great-granddaughter Angela Havranek.
I came across these quotes and others while doing a quick search in the newspapers for Kay and her husband Ray Pasterick, the owners of Pasterick’s Bar & Grill which was once located at 102 Fourth Street in Trafford. What I did not expect to uncover was the early history of Kay’s life when she was just a child living in Rankin. When Kay was 7 years old, her father Nick Magun, a Ukrainian immigrant, was killed while working for the Carnegie Steel Company. He was attempting to repair a faulty valve when he was overcome with carbon monoxide gas. He and another worker died while 15 other workers narrowly escaped death on April 5, 1933. Carrie Furnace No. 6 is recorded on Nick Magun’s death certificate. The furnace is still standing today as a National Historic Landmark (Rivers of Steel: Carrie Blast Furnaces).
In a frightening incident that happened just two months after her father’s death, Kay was playing near her home with her friend Olga, who was also 7 years old, when a man attempted to abduct Kay. The Post-Gazette reported, “The man approached the pair, seized Catherine, and slinging her over his shoulder, made off towards the woods.” She told the police, "I screamed. He hit me on the head and told me to stop or he'd kill me. I screamed some more." At the edge of the woods, apparently frightened by her screams, the man dropped her but was later apprehended by the police.
I mention this history because I believe that it helps us to better appreciate the people from our past. Our opinions are influenced by many factors, including our personal experiences throughout life. Kay was active in her community as a member of St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church and its Altar Guild, the Trafford Lioness Club, the Pittsburgh Women's Bowling Association and CFU Lodge #141 in East Pittsburgh.
Kay Pasterick on the right (age 46) and her daughter Nikkie appeared in an article about the All-Female Pittsburgh Football team called the Pittsburgh Hurricanes. Pittsburgh Press, October 24, 1971.
