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Patricia Rooney, the widow of Steelers owner Dan Rooney, died. She was 88 years old.
“My family and I are mourning the death of my mother, Patricia,” Steelers president Art Rooney II, in a statement released by Steelers. “She helped raise nine children while supporting my father’s career with the Steelers and his time as an ambassador in Ireland. It is a sad day for our family.
“My mom meant a lot, not just to all of us in the family, but she gave a lot of her time and energy to help those in need in the Pittsburgh community. It will make a lasting impression on many people and organizations in our area, especially in the Salvation Army and many organizations on the North Side of Pittsburgh, where my parents lived.
“We are going to celebrate her life and the memories we have of her during this challenging time for our family. We thank everyone with their thoughts and prayers. “
“Patricia was passionately devoted to her faith, the wonderful family she and Dan raised and adored, the Pittsburgh community and the Steelers’ organization,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement, via Associated Press. “She was also one of the most passionate football fans you could ever meet and very proud of the number of female fans worldwide.”
Patricia and Dan Rooney were married in 1952. Dan Rooney died in 2017.
We extend our condolences to the Rooney family and the Steelers organization.