Patricia Rooney, wife of former Steelers chairman emeritus Dan Rooney, died Saturday. She was 88.
The daughter of the late Mary Duffy Regan and Martin Regan originally of County Mayo, Ireland, she was married for 65 years to Dan Rooney. He preceded her in death April 13, 2017.
The couple had nine children, Arthur J. Rooney ll, Patricia R. Gerrero, Kathleen R. Miller, Rita Rooney Conway, Daniel M. Rooney, Mary Duffy Regan, John T. Rooney, James E. Rooney and Joan M. Clancy. She had 18 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she also was preceded in death by daughters Kathleen, Rita and Joan.
"My family and I are mourning the passing 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 Ambassador to Ireland. It is a sad day for our family.
"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. 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."
Last year, Mrs. Rooney was featured in a film by ESPN, "A Lifetime of Sundays," which focused on her and three other female owners of teams, Martha Ford (Lions), Norma Hunt (Chiefs) and Virginia Halas McCaskey (Bears).
"Patricia represented the Rooney family and Steelers with extraordinary grace, dignity and integrity," NFL Commission Roger Goodell said in a statement. "Patricia was passionately devoted to her faith, the wonderful family she and Dan raised and adored, the Pittsburgh community and the Steelers' organization. She was also one of the most passionate football fans you could ever meet and proud if the number of female fans around the world.
"We will greatly miss her."
Mrs. Rooney was a lifelong resident of the North Side. 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.
"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."
