Fitzgerald Statement on the Passing of Dan Rooney

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Amie M. Downs April 13, 2017 412-350-3711 (office) 412-327-3700 (cell) [email protected]

PITTSBURGH – County Executive Rich Fitzgerald issuing the following statement on the passing of Dan Rooney:

“The contributions that Dan Rooney made to Pittsburgh are immeasurable. Those of us who grew up in the 70s know how his leadership of the Steelers took a team that hadn’t been successful into one that became extremely successful, and provided a source of pride to all of us in western Pennsylvania.

“But beyond that, he used his influence to transform the NFL. His institution of concepts like the ‘Rooney Rule” and leadership on many issues set a great example for the generations to follow.

“He was a proud North Sider who was always committed to his neighborhood. I got to spend an afternoon going around his old neighborhood as he talked with pride about the people he grew up with, the things that transpired in his neighborhood, and how he was excited about Pittsburgh’s resurgence.

“His work was even felt on an international stage through his help to bring peace in Ireland. While he traveled the world as the US Ambassador to Ireland and an ambassador for the NFL, he was always a Pittsburgher to his core and was always thinking about what was best for his neighborhood and his city.

“The thoughts and prayers of this entire region go out to the entire Rooney family.”

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Office of County Executive Rich Fitzgerald 101 Courthouse │ 436 Grant Street │ Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Phone: 412-350-6500 │ Fax: 412-350-6512 www.alleghenycounty.us