Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney first came to South Florida in the 1940s to meet with other professional football team owners seeking a break from Northern winters. That familiarity with the area eventually led to Rooney’s decision in 1970 to buy the Palm Beach Kennel Club.
Now, according to grandson Pat Rooney Jr., there may be more Rooneys in Palm Beach County than in Pittsburgh.
“We’re all ensconced here, and all our businesses are here,” said Rooney, president of the Kennel Club. “No need to go back to those frosty winters.”
Art Rooney founded the NFL franchise in 1933, a team he first named the Pittsburgh Pirates. They became the Steelers in 1941.
Since Art Rooney’s death in 1988, the team has been owned by his five sons. Among more than 30 living grandchildren of Art Rooney is freshman U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta, Pat Jr.’s brother.
