Steinbrenner Family Says Funeral Will Be Private

Public memorial service to be held shortly thereafter

Yankee icon George Steinbrenner, the longest-serving Bronx Bombers' owner who died this week at age 80 after suffering a massive heart attack, will be remembered in the coming days at a private funeral, his family said in a statement yesterday.

A public memorial service for "The Boss" will be held shortly thereafter. The family said they would release details on the public tribute next week, and thanked fans for their "generous outpouring of love and affection for George."

Individuals close to the late Yankees owner, who passed away early Tuesday and has since been memorialized by baseball fans across the country, tell Sports Illustrated the funeral will likely be held Saturday in Tampa, Steinbrenner's adopted home.

Steinbrenner was credited with building the Yankees, perhaps the most storied team in baseball, back to a number 1 franchise during his 37 years as owner.  A controversial figure, he was also an iconic figure in New York sports and pop culture.

Relatives ask that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to five New York and Tampa charities: Special Operation Warrior Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of America, The Silver Shield Foundation, the Gold Shield Foundation of Tampa and the Boys and Girls Club of Tampa Bay.

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