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Joan Steinbrenner, wife of late legendary Yankees owner George, dies at 83

Joan Steinbrenner died Friday at 83. She is survived by her children <span>Hank, Jennifer, Jessica and Hal</span>. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Joan Steinbrenner died Friday at 83. She is survived by her children Hank, Jennifer, Jessica and Hal. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

The New York Yankees announced the death of vice chairperson Joan Steinbrenner on Friday. She was 83. Steinbrenner was surrounded by her family at her home in Tampa, Florida.

A graduate of Ohio State with a degree in dental hygiene, Joan and legendary Yankees owner George Steinbrenner married on May 12, 1956. George became the principal owner of the Bronx Bombers in 1973, and since George’s death in 2010, ownership has turned over to their two sons, Hank and Hal.

Joan Steinbrenner was active in her communities, whether in her native Ohio or in Florida. Steinbrenner worked with local children at the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center and was also involved with the Cleveland Orchestra. Later, she became state chairperson for the Florida Special Olympics in 1981 and ’82 and was on the board of directors of the National Society to Prevent Blindness for two years.

“Joan was a compassionate and caring matriarch whose profound love for her family and those in the community always inspired us,” the Steinbrenner family said in a statement. “Her elegance and grace touched everyone around her, and we know her spirit will live on through her legacy of good works. We are grateful to have had her in our lives, and she will be deeply missed.”

Steinbrenner is survived by her four children, 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The Yankees announced that a private family service will be held.

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