Former New York Representative Joe Crowley's Son, Cullen, Dies at 25 – Details

The son of the former congressman, a proud Marine, faced a serious illness for over two years. His father honored him with heartfelt words while sharing the sorrowful news of his passing.

Former New York Representative Joe Crowley shared on Instagram that his eldest son, Cullen Crowley, died on May 26, 2025. Alongside the announcement, he posted touching photos of the 25-year-old, including family moments and snapshots from his younger years.

"With heavy hearts, Kasey, Kenzie, Liam, and I share the passing of our beloved son and brother, Cullen Crowley.
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," Joe wrote in his message.

The tribute continued with tender memories that showed who Cullen truly was. Joe described how his child had a way of making ordinary days feel special. Time on the water or quiet evenings with his guitar turned unforgettable in his presence.

And wherever there was music, Cullen was sure to dance, leaving no floor untouched. Along with his joyful spirit, Cullen carried a deep sense of purpose from a young age.

He always dreamed of serving his country. That dream took root early on — after attending a Navy football game at age 12, Cullen set his sights on the Naval Academy.

He enrolled in 2018, earned the title of Marine in 2022, and remained in service at Quantico until stepping down in 2024 after learning about his illness. His journey took a difficult turn, but his determination never wavered. Joe shared:

"When faced with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor, a rare and aggressive cancer, Cullen had only one option: to fight. And for 2.5 years, he did just that. He never let the odds define him. Instead, he met each day with the same joy and gratitude for life."

Joe also took a moment to honor those who stood by Cullen throughout his fight. He thanked Cullen's medical team at @hopkinsmedicine, along with the @marines, @usnavalacademy, Gonzaga College High School, and the many loved ones who offered steady support.

The doting parent called Cullen their hero, saying they would always be proud of the man he became and forever grateful for the lives he touched. Before sharing the heartbreaking news of Cullen's passing, Joe had spoken publicly about his son's health nearly two years earlier.

He first opened up on August 10, 2023, through an Instagram post, writing, "For the past 8 months, our family has struggled with the diagnosis of a rare cancer in our oldest son, Cullen."

In May 2022, the family celebrated his graduation from the Naval Academy. By December, they received the difficult news that he had Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor (DSRCT).

As time went on, Joe continued to share updates on Cullen's condition, offering glimpses into the battles his son faced with courage:

"Yesterday, Cullen underwent 15 hrs of surgery to remove cancer tumors on his right kidney and in his abdomen. He stayed strong throughout — just as he has since his diagnosis. He's a Marine after all."

Despite the difficult procedures and exhausting treatments, moments of hope still emerged along the way. Although the cancer had spread to Cullen's skeletal system, the surgery brought a much-needed breakthrough. His recovery was going well, and the family saw it as a blessing and a chance to keep fighting.

Amid the challenges, the family never forgot those who stood beside them. They shared their deep thanks to the doctors, nurses, and loved ones — near and far — for their unwavering support.

Beyond the updates about his health, Cullen had long been a cherished part of Joe's social media presence. Marking one of his birthday milestones, Joe shared two photos — one from Cullen's childhood and another from his adult years.

Alongside the images, he wrote, "Happy 24th Birthday to my hero! Cullen, you are empathetic, brave, and loving! A true leader! So happy to have you home! 🙏💪☘️💜."

Joe also shared proud moments from Cullen's journey, highlighting milestones that meant the world to their family. In February 2024, he attended the Black Engineers of the Year Award (BEYA) Stars and Stripes dinner with Cullen.

He called it an honor and mentioned meeting General James Glynn, noting that the decorated general also had roots in Middle Village, Queens.

That same year brought another special family moment, one that Joe proudly captured online. He posted a cheerful photo of himself with Cullen, his wife Kasey Nilson, and their youngest son Liam Crowley, all smiling in front of colorful balloons.

In the caption, he shared his excitement for Liam, "And just like that, our last baby is off to college! Have the best time at @montanastateuniversity, Liam! Go #Bobcats!"

Outside of his personal life, Joe has had a long and active career in public service. Born in New York City on March 16, 1962, he served in the New York State Assembly from 1986 to 1998 before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

He held his seat from 1999 to 2019 and served as chair of the House Democratic Caucus during his final term. Following his time in Congress, Joe moved into the private sector, continuing his work in policy.

He now serves as a senior policy director at Dentons, where he advises clients on issues like tax, healthcare, and financial services, drawing on his years of legislative experience and leadership in the House.

Cullen lived with purpose, joy, and strength, leaving a lasting impact on everyone around him. From his early dream of joining the Naval Academy to becoming a Marine, he pursued his goals with unwavering commitment.

Even after his cancer diagnosis, he faced each day with courage and gratitude. His family's tributes, shared moments, and memories reveal a life deeply loved and honored. Though gone too soon, Cullen's legacy lives on through the people he inspired and the example he set.