Mike Pitterich was a very productive Pittsburgher and an irrepressible force of nature. His life defied convention and his passions reshaped the community. When steel mills were closing in the early 1990’s, he saw an opportunity to revitalize the industry through specialty steel. He loved music and entertainment, so he repurposed old buildings and churches and turned them into music venues and restaurants, including The Altar Bar in the Strip and the North Shore Saloon on the North Shore. He started the Pitterich Foundation in 2001, after his brother Joe passed away from bone cancer. He contributed to the Cleveland clinic when his sister was diagnosed with cancer. His support of the Starzl Transplantation Institute began when Mike himself suffered health issues and needed a liver transplant. Most recently, he began helping Point Park University expand young minds with the Michael P. Pitterich Entrepreneurial & Innovation Center. While Mike passed away in May of 2025, his vision continues through his foundation and its inspired partners in the community.

“The city’s heartbeat is only as strong as the music it plays.”

– Michael Pitterich