Who is Jim Irsays mother Harriet Pogorzelski Irsay?

Publish date: 2024-05-04

The Indianapolis Colts’ majority owner Jim Irsay has been at the helm of the franchise since 1997. He previously served as the General Manager of the team from 1984 to 1996 when his father Robert Irsay was alive. Amid all speculations regarding Jim Irsay, exactly how much do we know about his late mother, Harriet Pogorzelski Irsay?

Jim Irsay was born to Robert Irsay and Harriet Irsay in Illinois. The Irsay couple had been married since 1946 and would eventually go on to create a business empire together. Harriet had been an integral figure in the Indianapolis Colts’ front office when Robert Irsay was alive, and even so after, her son Jim took over as a majority owner.

Although Harriet and Robert eventually split and Robert married a second time, she remained a very important figure within the franchise Following Robert’s death, there were power struggles and ownership claims from Robert’s second family, but eventually, Jim Irsay took over as CEO. Here’s what you need to know about Jim Irsay’s mother, Harriet Irsay.

Who is Jim Irsay’s mother?

Harriet Pogorzelski Irsay is the late mother of the Indianapolis Colts chairman and owner, Jim Irsay. She had been the former wife of Robert Irsay, with whom she shared three children – Thomas, Roberta and Jim.

Unbeknownst to many, it was Harriet who had signed the transfer of ownership deal for the acquisition of the Indianapolis Colts in 1972, back when it was called the Baltimore Courts.

When Robert acquired the Baltimore Colts in a trade deal with the Los Angeles Rams, it was Harriet who signed on the papers to finalize the deal. During her lifetime, Harriet Irsay had been the matriarch of the franchise-owning family and became an important figure in the front office.

Where was Jim Irsay’s mother Harriet Irsay from?

Harriet was born to Mr. and Mrs. Pogorzelski in 1921 in Chicago. Her parents were Polish immigrants who had moved to Bucktown, and she graduated from Wells High School there.

Robert Irsay and Harriet Pogorzelski tied the knot in 1946. Robert was then running his business in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry.

However, the couple split in the late 1980s, and in 1989, Robert married Nancy Clifford in Indianapolis. Despite their divorce, Harriet continued to be a significant figure within the franchise’s front office, beloved by fans and players. She passed away in 2018 at the age of 97.

What did Jim Irsay’s mother Harriet Irsay do for a living?

Harriet Irsay spent her early childhood in Bucktown, Chicago, and graduated from Wells High School in 1939. Harriet worked extensively as a secretary in different firms, eventually marrying Robert Irsay in 1946. 

While Robert Irsay was running his business in the metal sheet and air conditioning industry, Harriet also worked as a secretary with different firms. Eventually, the couple would go on to establish a business empire.

She has since been associated with many foundations and non-profit organizations while continuing to be an integral figure for the Indianapolis Colts. Harriet had been involved with many charitable activities and philanthropic endeavors.

The late Irsay family matriarch had even established scholarships for the American Institute of Polish Culture. She had also worked with the Noble of Indiana Foundation and other non-profit organizations until she passed away in 2018.

FAQs

Q. How old is Jim Irsay?

Jim Irsay is 64 years old.

Q. How old was Harriet Irsay when she died?

Harriet Irsay was 97 years old when she died in 2018.

Q. When did Robert Irsay die?

Robert Irsay died in 1997.

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