ST.Steelers Nation in Mourning as Matthew Rooney, Grandson of Team Founder, Passes Away at 51
Pittsburgh, PA – August 22, 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers family is mourning a heartbreaking loss. Matthew Joseph Rooney, grandson of franchise founder Art Rooney Sr., has passed away at the age of 51 in his home at East Hampton on August 15.
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For generations, the Rooney name has symbolized loyalty, tradition, and the soul of Steelers football. Matthew, though not on the field, carried forward that legacy in his own way — as a writer, an artist, and a man who loved the culture of opera and ballet as deeply as his family cherished the game. His life was a blend of creativity, elegance, and an enduring bond with the team that defines Pittsburgh.
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In their statement, the Steelers organization wrote: “The Rooney Family is mourning the loss of Matthew. He will always be remembered as part of our story and our pride.”
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Matthew was known among friends and family as witty, kindhearted, and unapologetically authentic. He was described as “one of life’s last true Dandies and an authentic Bon Vivant” — a spirit who brought color and warmth to every room he entered.
A funeral Mass will be held Thursday morning, followed by a private burial service for the family. Steelers Nation is encouraged to honor his memory by carrying forward the values his family has given this city: loyalty, resilience, and love for one another.
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Though he is gone, Matthew Rooney remains forever tied to Pittsburgh — through the name he carried, the legacy he upheld, and the people who will never forget him.
Rest in peace, Matthew. Once a Rooney, always a part of Steelers Nation.
