Matthew Rooney, the grandson of Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Art Rooney, has died at age 51. According to an obituary, he passed away on Aug. 15 at his home in East Hampton, New York.
Burt Lauten, a spokesman for the Pittsburgh Steelers, confirmed his death and stated that the Rooney family is mourning his loss. A cause of death has not been released.
Rooney was the son of JoAnn and John Rooney. John was a minority shareholder of the Steelers until selling most of his 16% stake in 2009. The current team owner, Art Rooney II, is Matthew’s cousin.
Although part of a family well-known for its football legacy, Matthew Rooney did not appear to have much involvement with the team and was not mentioned as having lived in Western Pennsylvania.
Instead, he was recognized as a supporter of the arts. He held prominent roles at multiple New York City institutions, serving as vice chair of the Allegro Circle donor program for the New York City Ballet and as a member of the board of directors for the Metropolitan Opera of New York.
“Matthew’s wit, charm and love of fashion made him one of life’s last true Dandies and an authentic Bon Vivant,” his obituary said.
Matthew Rooney earned a bachelor’s degree from New York University before obtaining his master’s from Columbia University. He lived between New York and Los Angeles before settling in East Hampton at a property named “Belle Reve.”
He is survived by his mother, four older siblings, 15 nieces and nephews, and 18 great-nieces and nephews. A funeral mass was held Thursday at St. Helena Catholic Church in Montgomery County with burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Philadelphia.
