Well-Known Pittsburgh-Area Tavern Owner Dies

ROBINSON, PA — Jeff Butya, the proprietor of two All Star Sports Bar and Grill locations in Robinson and Canonsburg, and a member of the family that operated the famed Butya's Tavern in Robinson for 65 years, died Friday.

His family announced his death Saturday on social media.

"It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that our family has said goodbye to Jeff Butya, as he rejoined the Lord, his brother Ken, and mother Shirley in heaven peacefully last evening," a post on the bar's Facebook page stated. "

"Jeff dedicated much of his life to the family business, Robinson community, and all things Penn State. Jeff will be dearly missed by all of whom knew him. Our family asks for privacy in our time of grief, but will release details soon for which we as a community may celebrate Jeff’s life and legacy. We thank you for continued support in these times."

According to the Penn State-Beaver Campus website, Butya attended the Beaver campus for two years, then went to University Park to complete his education.

"It is there that Jeff made a name for himself, making the Penn State football team as a walk-on," Butya's biography on the website stated. "Jeff played for Coach Paterno during the 1980 and 1981 seasons. He is now known as 'Penn State’s Rudy'."

Butya opened the All Star Sports Bar and Grill locations after Butya's closed in 2009 after a 65-year run.