The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the death of Matthew Rooney, grandson of Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Art Rooney. Matthew passed away on Aug. 15 at his home in East Hampton, New York, at age 51. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
A spokesperson for the team said, “The Rooney Family is mourning the loss of Matthew.”
Matthew was the son of JoAnn and John J. Rooney. His father held a minority stake in the Steelers until selling most of his sixteen percent share in 2009.
Matthew graduated from New York University before earning a master’s degree at Columbia University. He spent time between New York and Los Angeles and later settled in Brooklyn Heights and East Hampton. An obituary described him as “a lover of literature and passionate about ballet and opera,” adding, “His wit, charm and love of fashion made him one of life’s last true Dandies and an authentic Bon Vivant.”
He is survived by his mother, four older siblings, fifteen nieces and nephews, and eighteen great-nieces and great-nephews.
Art Rooney founded the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1933 and served as chairman and owner until his death in 1988 at age eighty-seven. His son Dan took over as president in 1975 until his own passing in 2002. The role then went to Art Rooney II, who remains owner and president today.
The family planned a funeral service for Matthew Rooney in Pennsylvania on Aug. 21.
