Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney’s grandson Matthew Rooney dies at East Hampton home



Matthew Rooney, the grandson of Pittsburgh Steelers legendary founder Art Rooney, died at his Hamptons home on Friday, the team confirmed to The Post. He was 51.

“The Rooney Family is mourning the loss of Matthew,” the Steelers said in a statement to The Post.

🎬 Get Free Netflix Logins

Claim your free working Netflix accounts for streaming in HD! Limited slots available for active users only.

  • No subscription required
  • Works on mobile, PC & smart TV
  • Updated login details daily
🎁 Get Netflix Login Now

A cause of death was not revealed.

Matthew Joseph Rooney died at his East Hampton, NY, home on Aug. 15, 2025. RL Matthews Funeral Home

Rooney was born in Meadowbrook, Pa., on Nov. 11, 1973 to JoAnn Wallace Rooney and John J. Rooney, a minority shareholder of the Steelers until he sold a majority of his 16 percent stake in 2009.

Matthew Rooney graduated from NYU with a Bachelor of Arts before earning his Master’s at Columbia University.

The writer, artist and lover of ballet and opera was remembered by his family in an online obituary.

He split time living in New York and Los Angeles before settling down in Brooklyn Heights and East Hampton.

Rooney was remembered for his “wit, charm and love of fashion” that made him “one of life’s last true Dandies and an authentic Bob Viviant,” the family said.

Art Rooney, the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, waves to the camera on Dec. 12, 1972. AP
Art Rooney II, Matthew Rooney’s cousin, looks on before a game between the Steelers and the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 16, 2023. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Rooney served as the vice chair of the donor arm of the New York City Ballet’s Allegro Circle and was a member of the board of directors for the Metropolitan Opera of New York. 

“I was saddened to hear about the passing of Matthew Rooney. I didn’t know him well, but he was always a kind, familiar face at the ballet — someone who had a special way of making others feel welcome and celebrated,” fashion designer Joshua Kamei said in an Instagram post.

He is survived by his mother, four siblings, 15 nieces and nephews and 18 great nieces and nephews.

The Rooney family has owned the iconic NFL franchise since Art Rooney guided the team into the league back in 1933.

After his death, Art Rooney’s son David took control of the team in 1975 and held the position until his death in 2002.

Art Rooney II, David’s son, has been the owner and president of the six-time Super Bowl Champions since 2003.

A private funeral and burial will be held for Matthew Rooney on Aug. 21 in Philadelphia, PA




Let’s be honest—no matter how stressful the day gets, a good viral video can instantly lift your mood. Whether it’s a funny pet doing something silly, a heartwarming moment between strangers, or a wild dance challenge, viral videos are what keep the internet fun and alive.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Adblock Detected

  • Please deactivate your VPN or ad-blocking software to continue