PATRICIA ROONEY, WIFE OF LATE STEELERS CHAIRMAN, DIES
Patricia Rooney, the wife of the late Steelers chairman Dan Rooney and one of four remaining matriarchs of longstanding NFL families, died Saturday at her North Side home. She was 88.
Mrs. Rooney and her husband, who also served as the U.S. ambassador to Ireland from 2009-12, were married 65 years, and she remained involved in some NFL affairs after his death in April 2017. They met while she was working in the Steelers’ offices.
“My family and I are mourning the passing of my mother, Patricia,” Steelers President Art Rooney II, the eldest of her children, 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.”
Last year, Mrs. Rooney was featured in an ESPN film titled “A Lifetime of Sundays,” which focused on her story and those of three other female owners of NFL teams: Martha Ford of the Detroit Lions, Norma Hunt of the Kansas City Chiefs and Virginia Halas McCaskey of the Chicago Bears.
Mrs. Rooney was active in charities and remained a fixture on the North Side, where she continued to live in the house she shared with her husband, who was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
“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,” Art Rooney II said. “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.”
Said Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto of her passing: “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.”
Patricia T. (Regan) Rooney was born on the North Side and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. She was the daughter of Mary Duffy Regan and Martin Regan, originally of County Mayo, Ireland.
In addition to her son Art II, she is survived by two daughters, Patricia R. Gerrero and Mary Duffy Regan; three other sons, Daniel M. Rooney, John T. Rooney and James E. Rooney; 18 grandchildren; and six greatgrandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her daughters Kathleen R. Miller, Rita Rooney Conway and Joan M. Clancy.
She also is survived by a brother, Martin Francis Regan, and three sisters, Evelyn R. O’Brien, Rita R. Heberle and Irene R. Hill. Her sisters Mary Regan, Joan Regan and Geraldine R. Glenn and brothers John Regan and Thomas Regan predeceased her.
Because of COVID-19 precautions, funeral arrangements are private. A memorial Mass will be scheduled at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
The family would also like to thank the many caregivers who provided wonderful care to her.
“We will celebrate her life and the memories we have of her during this challenging time for our family,” Art Rooney II said. “We appreciate everyone with your thoughts and prayers.”