Matthew Joseph Rooney grandson of Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney passes away at 51

Matthew Joseph Rooney, the grandson of Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney, passed away on August 15, 2025, at his home in East Hampton, New York. He was only 51 years old. “The Rooney Family is mourning the loss of Matthew,” said a team spokesperson, sharing the news on August 21, 2025. He was known for his bright mind, creative spirit, and love of the arts.Matthew was born on November 11, 1973, in Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania. He was the son of JoAnn Wallace Rooney and John J. Rooney, who once held a 16% stake in the Steelers before selling most of it in 2009. He studied at New York University and earned his bachelor’s degree there. He then went on to complete a master’s degree at Columbia University.His passion lay in the arts. He wrote, created art, and deeply loved literature, ballet, and opera . In fact, he became vice chair of the Allegro Circle, the donor group for New York City Ballet, and joined the board of the Metropolitan Opera of New York in 2024. In 2025, he served as an advisory director for the Metropolitan Opera.An obituary described him as “a lover of literature and passionate about ballet and opera.” It said, “His wit, charm and love of fashion made him one of life’s last true Dandies and an authentic Bon Vivant.”Also Read: “They Want To Be Married”: Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Plan Marriage And Kids As Romance Grows StrongerMatthew lived both in New York and Los Angeles. He had homes in Brooklyn Heights and East Hampton, where he passed away. He is survived by his mother, JoAnn Wallace Rooney, four older siblings, 15 nieces and nephews, and 18 great-nieces and nephews.The funeral was scheduled for August 21, 2025, in Pennsylvania, where family and friends were set to gather to pay their respects. The burial was planned as a private affair.Matthew’s passing marks another chapter in the Rooney family’s long-standing connection to the Steelers. The team was founded by his grandfather, Art Rooney Sr., in 1933, and the family remains at its helm through his cousin, Art Rooney II, who is the current president and majority owner.