Matthew Rooney, grandson of Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Art Rooney and a member of the family that has long guided the Pittsburgh Steelers, has died at age 51. The team confirmed his death at his East Hampton, New York home on Aug. 15.
“The Rooney Family is mourning the loss of Matthew,” a Steelers spokesperson said in a statement to The Post.
No cause of death was disclosed.
Born in Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania on Nov. 11, 1973 to JoAnn Wallace Rooney and John J. Rooney, Matthew was part of a family closely tied to the Steelers organization. His father was a minority shareholder until selling most of his stake in 2009.
Matthew Rooney completed undergraduate studies at New York University before earning a master’s degree at Columbia University. He lived in both New York and Los Angeles before settling in Brooklyn Heights and East Hampton.
An online obituary posted by his family described him as having “wit, charm and love of fashion” and called him “one of life’s last true Dandies and an authentic Bob Viviant.”
Rooney served as vice chair for the donor arm of the New York City Ballet’s Allegro Circle and sat on the board of directors for the Metropolitan Opera of New York.
Fashion designer Joshua Kamei commented on social media: “I was saddened to hear about the passing of Matthew Rooney. I didn’t know him well, but he was always a kind, familiar face at the ballet — someone who had a special way of making others feel welcome and celebrated.”
He is survived by his mother, four older siblings, 15 nieces and nephews, and 18 great-nieces and nephews.
The Rooney family’s history with professional football began when Art Rooney founded what would become one of the National Football League’s most recognized franchises in 1933. Art served as chairman and owner until his death in 1988. His son Dan became president in 1975 and held that role until he died in 2002. Now, Art Rooney II—Dan’s son and Matthew’s cousin—is team owner and president.
A private funeral service will be held for Matthew Rooney on Aug. 21 in Philadelphia.
