REPORT: Ex-congressman’s 25-year-old Marine son dies from rare cancer

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From the New York Post: Ex-New York Rep. Joe Crowley’s 25-year-old son — a Marine and Naval Academy grad — has died from a rare cancer, his grieving dad revealed over the Memorial Day weekend.

The Democratic former Big Apple congressman disclosed in 2023 that his oldest son, Cullen, had been diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumors just seven months after he graduated from the prestigious military academy as a second lieutenant.

“With heavy hearts, Kasey, Kenzie, Liam, and I share the passing of our beloved son and brother, Cullen Crowley,” Joe Crowley posted to X on Sunday, referring to his wife and two other kids.

“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,” Crowley wrote.

In additional posts, Crowley’s tribute to his son continues:

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 dream was to serve his country. He set his sights on the @NavalAcademy at age 12 and never looked back. He became a Midshipman in 2018, a @USMC Marine in 2022, and continued his service at Quantico until retiring in 2024 following his diagnosis.

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.

We are forever grateful to Cullen’s extraordinary team of doctors and nurses at @HopkinsMedicine, to the @USMC, @NavalAcademy, @GonzagaGoodNews, and to our family and friends 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. 💙🇺🇸 #PrayforCullen

Forever our son, forever our big brother, forever our Marine.

In August 2023, Crowley announced, “For the past 8 months, our family has struggled with the diagnosis of a rare cancer in our oldest son, Cullen. In May 2022, we celebrated Cullen’s graduation from the Naval Academy. In December, we learned that he has Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor (DSRCT).”

Crowley said his son underwent 15 hrs of surgery to remove cancer tumors on his right kidney and in his abdomen. However, the cancer had already metastasized to his skeletal system.

Although still undergoing cancer treatments, Cullen was promoted to First Lieutenant in the U.S. Marines in May 2024.

Days later, Cullen retired from the U.S. Marines.

“This isn’t how Cullen imagined his career in the service ending but he holds his head high today knowing he will forever be a Marine. Cancer can’t take that away from him,” his father wrote.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani wrote Tuesday afternoon, “Please join me in offering our love, prayers and condolences to former Congressman Joe Crowley and his loving family on the tragic and untimely death of their son and brother Cullen, a U.S. Marine and Naval Academy graduate. When I was Mayor, Joe was always there for NYC despite party. We should now all be there for the Crowleys’.”

READ MORE from the New York Post.

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