The Rooney family is mourning the loss of Matthew Rooney, grandson of Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Art Rooney. According to family statements and published obituary information, Matthew died at his home in the Hamptons on Long Island, New York earlier this month at age 51. The cause of death has not been released.
Matthew was the son of JoAnn Wallace Rooney and John J. Rooney. The family previously held a 16 percent share in the Pittsburgh Steelers before selling it in 2009. He was also a cousin of current Steelers President Art Rooney III.
Although he grew up around football, Matthew’s main interests were writing and the arts. He earned a bachelor’s degree from New York University and a master’s degree from Columbia University. He worked professionally as a writer and artist, with a particular passion for ballet and opera.
A statement from his obituary reads: “Matthew’s wit, charm and love of fashion made him one of life’s last true Dandies and an authentic Bon Vivant.”
Matthew is survived by his mother, four siblings, and 33 nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. His father and brother preceded him in death.
Funeral services took place on Aug. 21 at St. Helena Catholic Church in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.
