Matthew Rooney, the grandson of Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney, sadly passed away at his home in the Hamptons on Friday. He was just 51 years old.
The Steelers organization expressed their condolences, stating, “The Rooneys are lamenting Matthew’s loss.”
Details regarding the cause of his death have not yet been disclosed.
Born on November 11, 1973, in Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania, Rooney was the child of Joanne Wallace Rooney and John J. Rooney, both of whom held minority stakes in the Steelers. The family sold a majority of their 16% share in 2009.
He held a Bachelor of Arts degree from NYU and later earned a Master’s degree from Columbia University.
His family shared memories of his love for ballet, opera, and the arts in an online obituary.
Over the years, Rooney lived in various places, including New York and Los Angeles, eventually settling in Brooklyn Heights and East Hampton.
Described as possessing “wit and charm,” he was remembered for being a “true dandy” and a genuine “Bob Viviant” throughout his life.
Rooney was vice-chairman of the Donor Division of Allegro Circle at the New York City Ballet and served on the board of directors for the Metropolitan Opera.
In an Instagram post, someone mentioned feeling sad about his passing, noting that while they didn’t know him well, he was always a kind, familiar face in the ballet scene.
He leaves behind his mother, four brothers, along with 15 nieces and nephews, and 18 great-nieces and nephews.
The Rooney family has been part of the NFL landscape since Art Rooney brought the Steelers into the league in 1933. Following his passing, Art Rooney’s son, David, took charge of the team in 1975 until his own death in 2002. Currently, David’s son, Art Rooney II, has held the role of owner and president of the six-time Super Bowl champions since 2003.
Matthew Rooney’s private funeral and burial will take place on August 21st in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
