A Brave Marine Passes

Cullen Crowley, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy who then joined the Marine Corps, has died after a brave battle against cancer.

Cullen was the son of former congressman Joe Crowley and his wife Kasey.

Cullen was just 25. He would have been 26 in August. He died early Sunday morning of Memorial Day weekend.

The Crowley family said that with heavy hearts, Joe, Kasey, Kenzie, and Liam were sharing a statement on the passing of their beloved son and brother, Cullen Crowley.

They said: “When we think of Cullen, we can’t help but smile. He radiated an infectious and genuine love of life — one that lifted the spirits of everyone around him. Cullen had a remarkable gift for making even the ordinary feel extraordinary. From a day spent on the boat to an evening strumming the guitar, the simple moments felt incredible when shared with him. And no dance floor went untouched when Cullen was around!

“Cullen’s greatest desire in life was to serve his country. It was in his blood – but even more, it was rooted deep in his heart. During his years at Gonzaga College High School, that passion only deepened as he developed a profound appreciation for our nation and all those who have fought to protect its freedoms.

“He first set his sights on the U.S. Naval Academy at the age of 12 after attending a football game there, and from that moment on, nothing could deter him. He fulfilled his dream in 2018 by becoming a Midshipman — a chapter he often described as the most challenging yet deeply rewarding part of his life.

“He never quit or complained, facing every obstacle with his trademark determination. In 2022, he graduated as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps and, without hesitation, continued his service in officer training at Quantico.

“After his diagnosis, Cullen officially retired in 2024 as a first lieutenant. Though it wasn’t the ending he had envisioned, he never wavered in his identity: he was, and always would be, a Marine.

“Born in New York, the neighborhoods of Queens always felt like home to Cullen. He treasured countless moments spent with family and friends, playing in the streets and joining sing-alongs to Irish tunes. 

“From a young age, Cullen found joy and peace during visits to family in Montana. Time spent with his grandparents and cousins, exploring Big Sky country, gave him a deep appreciation for nature, the beauty of this great country, and the bonds of family.

“When faced with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, Cullen had only one option: to fight. And for two and a half years, he did just that — with the kind of courage and resilience one would expect from a Marine. He never let the odds define him. Instead, he met each day with the same joy and gratitude for life he had always carried.

“We are forever grateful to Cullen’s extraordinary team of doctors and nurses at Johns Hopkins Medicine, to the U.S. Marine Corps, to the U.S. Naval Academy, to Gonzaga College High School, and to our beloved family and friends near and far for the steadfast love and support they gave Cullen – and us – through every step of his journey.

“Cullen is our hero. We are endlessly proud of the man he became and feel so blessed to call him ours. The fact that he touched so many lives is an honor we will always cherish. We miss you, Cullen. Forever and always.”