The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Saturday night that Patricia Rooney, wife of the late Dan Rooney and mother of current Steelers team president Art Rooney II, has died at the age of 88.
The following statement was made by Art Rooney II, as reported by Steelers.com:
“My family and I are mourning the death of my mother, Patricia,” said Steelers President Art Rooney II in a statement released by the team on Saturday night. “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. “
After the announcement, many current and former Steelers, as well as those who covered the team, as well as others in the NFL, went to social media to offer their condolences.
Steeler Nation lost a wonderful woman tonight. A few months after my daughter was born, Mrs. Rooney chose a game day outfit for her first game. She chose personally. I personally delivered it. It’s the football business, but it’s the Steeler family. # Thieves https://t.co/WC8QYASfaY
– Chad Brown (@ chadbrown94) January 31, 2021
Mrs. Rooney was a beautiful woman! She was so kind, caring and loving. We will miss you and I will be forever grateful to her, Mr. Rooney and his family. Tell the old man that we miss him. Rest in paradise !! #GeauxSteelers
– Ryan Clark (@ Realrclark25) January 31, 2021
You were truly loved.
RIP Mrs. Rooney
– Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) January 31, 2021
Very sad to hear the news of Mrs. Patricia Rooney’s death. She was a very special person, always kind, dignified and elegant. Mrs. Rooney also had a great sense of humor. She was a Pittsburgh pillar. My prayers and deepest condolences to the entire Rooney family.
– Alby Oxenreiter (@albyox) January 31, 2021
She was the most incredible woman. In all aspects. My deepest condolences go out to the Rooney family and everyone in the Steeler organization. She was incomparable and a dear gift to Pittsburgh. https://t.co/dqJHVDdQzv
– Sally Wiggin (@wiggin_sally) January 31, 2021
Mrs. Rooney was kind, elegant and funny. She will be sorely missed. Praying for the Rooney family as they mourn their loss. https://t.co/9QGHWle7az
– Missi Matthews (@missi_matthews) January 31, 2021
RIP Mrs. Rooney
My condolences to the entire Rooney family
– Banner Zach (@ZBNFL) January 31, 2021
RIP Mrs. Rooney.
If so, you were undoubtedly the first lady of the North Side.
What a selfless person. She did a lot for many.– Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) January 31, 2021
Our most sincere condolences to the @ Thieves and the Rooney family about the passing of Patricia Roone, wife of the late Steelers owner and U.S. ambassador to Ireland, Dan Rooney # Thieves
– The final word (@WPXIFinalWord) January 31, 2021
Robert Morris University joins the entire Pittsburgh community in mourning the death of Patricia Rooney, emeritus member of the university’s Board of Trustees and former RMU professor.
The University’s statement on the death of Patricia Rooney is below. pic.twitter.com/HpyuQdN3mO
– Robert Morris University (@RMU) January 31, 2021
The Penguins offer our sincere condolences to the Rooney family and the Steelers nation
– Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 31, 2021
The NFL lost a matriarch in Pat Rooney. She incorporated the spirit of Pittsburgh into how she lived her life. It impacted everyone she met, inspired and nurtured in her own genuine way. RIP Pat and we celebrate the virtues that you and Dan have bestowed on all of us.
– Bill Cowher (@CowherCBS) January 31, 2021