New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, perhaps the most well-known owner in sports, passed away this morning in Tampa, FL, after suffering a heart attack. He was 80 years old.

Steinbrenner and the Yankees have worked with storied New York PR agency Rubenstein for 28 years, the agency confirmed to PRNewser today.

Agency namesake Howard Rubenstein issued a statement on behalf of Steinbrenner’s family, which read in part:

He was an incredible and charitable man. First and foremost he was devoted to his entire family – his beloved wife, Joan; his sisters, Susan Norpell and Judy Kamm, his children, Hank, Jennifer Jessica and Hal; and all of his grandchildren. He was a visionary and a giant in the world of sports. He took a great but struggling franchise and turned it into a champion again.

View the full statement after the jump.

FROM: NEW YORK YANKEES

JULY 13, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STATEMENT FROM: FAMILY OF GEORGE M. STEINBRENNER III

RE: THE PASSING OF YANKEES PRINCIPAL OWNER / CHAIRPERSON GEORGE M. STEINBRENNER III

“It is with profound sadness that the family of George M. Steinbrenner III announces his passing. He passed away this morning in Tampa, Fla., at age 80.

“He was an incredible and charitable man. First and foremost he was devoted to his entire family – his beloved wife, Joan; his sisters, Susan Norpell and Judy Kamm, his children, Hank, Jennifer Jessica and Hal; and all of his grandchildren.

He was a visionary and a giant in the world of sports. He took a great but struggling franchise and turned it into a champion again.”

Mr. Steinbrenner recently celebrated his 80th birthday on July 4.

Funeral arrangements will be private. There will be an additional public service with details to be announced at a later date.