Patricia Rooney, wife of late Steelers chairman, dies at age 88
Photo of Gerry Dulac
GERRY DULAC
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
gdulac@post-gazette.com
JAN 30, 2021 7:46 PM
Patricia Rooney, wife of former late Steelers chairman Dan Rooney and one of four remaining matriarchs of long-standing NFL families, passed away Saturday at home. She was 88.
Mrs. Rooney and her husband, who also served as ambassador to Ireland from 2009-2012, 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 nine 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 entitled, “A Lifetime of Sundays,” which focused on her story, as well as 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 actively involved 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.”
Patricia T. (Regan) Rooney was born on the North Side and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. She was the daughter of the late Mary Duffy Regan and Martin Regan originally of Co. Mayo, Ireland; beloved wife of the late Ambassador Daniel M. Rooney; and devoted mother of Arthur J. Rooney II (Greta), Patricia R. Gerrero (Bob), Kathleen R. Miller deceased (Thomas), Rita Rooney Conway deceased, Daniel M. Rooney (Allison), Mary Duffy Regan, John T. Rooney (Emma), James E. Rooney (Stephanie), and Joan M. Clancy deceased (Chris); 18 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren, along with numerous extended family.
She is survived by her brother Martin Francis Regan, Evelyn R. O’Brien, Rita R. Heberle, and Irene R. Hill. Her sisters Mary Regan, Joan Regan, Geraldine R. Glenn, and brothers John Regan and Thomas Regan predeceased her.
Due to COVID 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.”
Gerry Dulac:
gdulac@post-gazette.com and Twitter @gerrydulac.
First Published January 30, 2021, 7:46pm
