V. Timothy Rooney

V. Timothy Rooney passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at age 84, surrounded by his loving family. Tim was born on June 15, 1941 to Vincent and Anne Rooney in Pittsburgh. Beloved husband of fifty years to Mary Ann, father to Michael (Katie) of Middletown, NJ and Sarah Breslin (John) of Point Breeze, grandfather to James, Patrick, Sean, Caroline, Owen, and Charlie, brother to Eileen Stewart, Mary Margaret Coyne, Kathleen Rooney Sokolowski, and Thomas Rooney of Pittsburgh, and uncle to many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his sister Anne Martone and his brother James Rooney. 

Tim was devoted to his family. He dedicated himself to them over all else.  From Sunday mass and sporting events with his grandchildren and countless trips near and far with Mary Ann, to over five decades of summer vacations in Rehoboth Beach with his family, including much cherished siblings, nieces, and nephews, Tim loved to be with his family.   

Born and raised on Pittsburgh’s North Side, Tim graduated from North Catholic High School in 1959 and earned a degree in Education from Duquesne University in 1964. He began a teaching and coaching career that same year at Bishop Canevin High School. 

Careerwise, Tim was never happier than he was as an English teacher. He became an assistant football coach at Villanova University in 1968, then completed one year coaching at the University of Rhode Island in 1970 before returning to Villanova in 1971. He enjoyed lifelong friendships with the members of the Villanova freshman team he coached to a 7-0 season in 1971. Tim spent the majority of his professional career in the NFL. He joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as Director of Pro Personnel and college scout in 1972, became Director of Player Personnel for the Detroit Lions in 1979, and moved to the New York Giants as Director of Pro Player Personnel in 1985 before retiring in 1999.

As a scout, Tim played an important role in the legendary Steelers 1974 draft – “the greatest NFL draft of all time.” His dedication and expertise helped him earn five Super Bowl rings throughout his NFL career. Tim is a member of the Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, as well as the North Catholic High School and the Bishop Canevin Halls of Fame.

Tim and Mary Ann raised their children in Birmingham, MI and Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ, but spent many of their retirement years in their beloved hometown of Pittsburgh. They spent many winters on the Gulf Coast of Florida. 

Tim was a man of faith and was a supporter of Catholic education. He was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of Saint Mary Magdalene Parish. He served on many Catholic educational boards. 

Tim was a lifelong learner who loved literature, travel, and golf. He enjoyed reading history books and biographies and traveling with Mary Ann. He was a gifted storyteller, especially to his six grandchildren, who quickly learned that one should never let the truth stand in the way of a good story.  

Family and friends will be received at John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc., 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street (freyvogelfuneralhome.com) on Thursday, July 10 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Tim’s life will be held at St. Bede Church of St. Mary Magdalene Parish on Friday, July 11 at 10:30am.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift in Tim’s honor to North Catholic High School. Tim will be greatly missed by his friends and family who will never forget his kindness, generosity, humor, and joyful spirit.  

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