Cardinal Mooney receives large donation from DeBartolo and York families

The first family of the San Francisco 49ers has made what's been termed a "substantial" financial donation to Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown.

The undisclosed donation was made by Denise DeBartolo York, Cardinal Mooney class of 1968 graduate and co-chair of the 49ers, and her brother, 1964 alum and former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo.

In a Youngstown Vindicator article on the donation, Bishop George V. Murry of the Diocese of Youngstown called it the largest gift a Mahoning Valley High School has ever received.

The school's release on the donation said the money is specifically marked for use, including renovations, at the school's current Erie Street location in Youngstown. A portion of the gift will be used to provide partial scholarships and reduced tuition for families who are in need of financial assistance.

In the release, DeBartolo York and DeBartolo indicated they want the gift to "complement the legacy we leave behind for the children in our hometown that otherwise may not have the opportunity to attend a first-rate school like Cardinal Mooney."

In the 2011 and 2012 seasons, the 49ers spent a week during the regular season living and practicing in Youngstown between consecutive road games. In-season practices are closed to fans and media, but at least one 49ers practice in Youngstown in 2012 was open to the Cardinal Mooney football team, a perennial state power.