Patricia Rooney, wife of late Steelers owner Dan Rooney, dies at age 88
Patricia Rooney, the wife of late Pittsburgh Steelers chairman and Ambassador Dan Rooney, died Saturday night at her home, the team announced.
She was 88.
The matriarch of the Steelers, Mrs. Rooney had nine children, including Art Rooney II, the team’s president.
“My family and I are mourning the passing of my mother, Patricia,” Rooney II said in a statement. “She helped raise nine children while supporting my father’s career with the Steelers and his time as ambassador to Ireland. It is a sad day for our family.
“My mother meant so much to not only all of us in the family, but she gave so much of her time and energy helping those in need in the Pittsburgh community. She will leave a lasting impression on so many people and organizations in our area, especially the Salvation Army and many organizations in the North Side of Pittsburgh, where my parents called home.
“We will celebrate her life and the memories we have of her during this challenging time for our family. We appreciate everyone with your thoughts and prayers.”
In a statement released by Mayor Bill Peduto, he said, “There is much to celebrate Patricia Rooney for, in her service to our nation and our beloved city. In her native North Side, though, she will always be remembered as one of the neighborhood’s greatest champions.”
Mrs. Rooney was one of four women of influential NFL ownership families featured in the NFL documentary “A Lifetime of Sundays” that was produced as part of the league’s 100th anniversary celebration in 2019. She was featured along with Virginia Halas McCaskey of the Chicago Bears, Norma Hunt of the Kansas City Chiefs and Martha Ford of the Detroit Lions.
The film was done by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s wife, Jane.
“Patricia represented the Rooney family and Steelers with extraordinary grace, dignity and integrity,” the Goodells said in a statement. “Patricia was passionately devoted to her family, the wonderful family she and Dan raised and adored, the Pittsburgh community and the Steelers organization. She was also one of the most passionate football fans you could ever meet and very proud of the number of female fans around the world.
“We will greatly miss her as will many people whose lives she touched throughout her community, and the NFL.”
Mrs. Rooney was born on the North Side and continued to live there with Dan Rooney, who died in April 2017. They were married for 65 years.
A graduate of Pitt, Mrs. Rooney was the daughter of the late Mary Duffy Regan and Martin Regan, originally of Ireland. In addition to Art Rooney II, her children include Patricia R. Gerrero, Kathleen R. Miller (deceased), Rita Rooney Conway (deceased), Daniel M. Rooney, Mary Duffy Rooney, John T. Rooney, James E. Rooney and Joan M. Clancy (deceased). She had 18 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her brother, Martin Francis Regan, and sisters Evelyn R. O’Brien, Rita R. Heberle and Irene R. Hill. Sisters Mary Regan, Joan Regan, Geraldine R. Glenn and brothers John Regan and Thomas Regan predeceased her.
Because of precautions against covid-19, funeral arrangements are private. A memorial Mass will be scheduled at a later date, the Steelers announced.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Salvation Army, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Joe Rutter is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joe by email at jrutter@triblive.com or via Twitter .