The grandson of Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Art Rooney, Matthew Rooney, has died at the age of 51. News of his death was reported by the New York Post. The cause of death has not been disclosed, but Rooney passed away at his home in the Hamptons on Aug. 15.
A spokesperson for the Steelers said, “The Rooney Family is mourning the loss of Matthew.”
Matthew Rooney was a former minority owner in the Pittsburgh Steelers organization and sold his 16 percent stake in 2009. He was the son of John J. Rooney and cousin to current Steelers team president Art Rooney II.
Rooney held degrees from Columbia University and New York University. After completing his education, he focused on opera and ballet and lived in both New York and Los Angeles over his life. He also served on the board of directors for the Metropolitan Opera of New York.
He is survived by his four older siblings, mother, and other members of the extended Rooney family.
The Rooney family founded the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1933.
