Matthew Rooney, grandson of Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney, has died at the age of 51. His death was confirmed by the team, with a spokesperson stating, “The Rooney Family is mourning the loss of Matthew.” No cause of death was disclosed.
Matthew Joseph Rooney passed away at his East Hampton, New York home on Aug. 15, 2025. He was born in Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania on Nov. 11, 1973 to JoAnn Wallace Rooney and John J. Rooney, who had been a minority shareholder in the Steelers until selling a majority of his stake in 2009.
Rooney graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Arts and later earned a Master’s degree from Columbia University. He split time living between New York and Los Angeles before eventually residing in Brooklyn Heights and East Hampton.
According to his family’s statement in an online obituary, “He was remembered for his ‘wit, charm and love of fashion’ that made him ‘one of life’s last true Dandies and an authentic Bob Viviant.’” The family added reflections on his contributions as a writer and artist as well as his love for ballet and opera.
Rooney served as vice chair of 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 said in an Instagram post, “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, fifteen nieces and nephews and eighteen great nieces and nephews.
The Rooney family has owned the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise since Art Rooney guided the team into the league in 1933. Art Rooney remained chairman and owner until his death in 1988. His son Dan became president in 1975 until he died in 2002; currently, ownership resides with Art Rooney II, Matthew’s cousin.
A private funeral and burial for Matthew Rooney will be held on Aug. 21 in Philadelphia.
