Carnegie rallies behind those affected by deadly fire
Michael Troiani vowed Sunday to reopen his family's business, but he's not sure where or when that will happen.
A fatal, five-alarm fire Friday night caused extensive damage to the 100-year-old Carnegie building that housed the well-known restaurant PaPa J's on the first floor. Troiani's family owns the building and the business.
John Michael Wells, 64, a long-time maintenance worker for the Troiani family who lived in the three-story building at East Main Street and Broadway Avenue, was found unresponsive in his apartment and died early Saturday night at UPMC Mercy. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's office said smoke inhalation was the cause of death.
Troiani said a memorial service will be held at a future date for Wells, whom he described as a friend.
“There is nothing I want more than (Wells') family to feel an overwhelming sense of love,” Troiani said.
Troiani also expressed concern for the 42 restaurant employees who are now without work and the 11 families without a home. The Red Cross is assisting displaced residents.
As for his family's business, Troiani said in a phone interview, “PaPa J's will return, but I have no capacity to make any promises on a timeline. We've recovered from a lot of tragedy as a family and with our business. We are a stubborn group. One way or another we will recover.”
Troiani said it will take time to determine whether the business returns to its old Carnegie location.
“At this point, I don't know what we can save with the building. The damage is extensive. The ceiling of the first floor has fallen to the ground. There is extensive water and smoke damage throughout,” he said. “The contents, what remains on the first floor, are relics. Nothing has functional use anymore.”
Carnegie Council President Sue Demko said the borough's engineer conducted an initial investigation of the building's condition Saturday.
“We'll be discussing the fire and status of the building at our meeting on Monday night,” Demko said.
The borough's regular workshop meeting starts at 6 p.m.
Demko described the building as a borough landmark and said the restaurant has drawn people to the community's downtown shopping district.
“That building and the owners are a big part of this community,” Demko said. “Everybody is rallying behind (the Troianis) and offering whatever help we can provide.”
Matthew Medsger is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 724-226-4675, mmedsger@tribweb.com or via Twitter @matthew_medsger.
