Paul William Crowley
Paul William Crowley
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Paul Crowley Obituary
Paul is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years Diana, his daughter Meredith Crowley and her husband Eric French and their daughters Alessandra and Liliana, his son Matthew and his wife Elizabeth and their son Owen, and his son Edward. He also leaves behind his brothers Michael, Peter and Barry and his sisters, Joan Kelly, Elizabeth Graeber, Sheila Hayes, Cathleen Anderson, Colleen Rinkel, many cousins, nieces, nephews and several great nieces and nephews. He was the son of the late Michael Francis Crowley and his wife Elizabeth Thornton Crowley.
A proud graduate of the University of Rhode Island, Paul was a student activist and lead campus opposition to the war in Vietnam. Inspired by his successful student activism, Paul sought public office following graduation and in 1981 he was elected via special election to the Rhode Island General Assembly to represent District 100 (now district 75) in Newport.
As a RI State Representative, he was a tireless advocate for the citizens of Newport and the State of Rhode Island for 27 years until his death. During his lengthy political career, he was instrumental in revitalizing Newport's economy by establishing the Newport County Convention and Visitors Bureau, which he chaired for many years. Paul was devoted to helping the state's disadvantaged students and was a leading proponent of education reforms that touched the lives of countless children. He remained active in his advocacy work until his death and this past spring he was at the forefront of the coastal homeowner's insurance crisis, for which he was nationally recognized.
Paul was the co-owner and operator with his brother Peter of LaForge Casino Restaurant and Crowley's Pub, a business which has been in the Crowley family since 1964.
His family expresses their deep gratitude to the outstanding medical professionals that provided Paul with their support, expertise, compassion and care especially Dr. Sara Russell of Brigham and Women's Hospital, Dr. F. Stephen Hodi of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Dr. David F. McDermott of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Dr. Orest Zaklynsky of Newport.
In lieu of flowers and in order to help future melanoma patients, the family would greatly appreciate donations be made in Paul's name to Dr. Stephen Hodi , Melanoma Oncology Research, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, Floor 6, Brookline, MA 02445-9924.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 27, 2007, at 10:00am, at St. Augustin's Church, Carroll Ave., Newport, RI. Burial at St. Columba Cemetery, Brown's Ln., Middletown, RI. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, September 26, from 3:00-8:00 pm at the Colony House, Washington Square, Newport, RI.
Arrangements are with the O'Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring St., Newport, RI., 02840.
For more information, please visit www.onhfh.com
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Joe Burchfield
September 28, 2007
I'm very sorry for your loss. May God bless you all.
Carol Dahir
September 28, 2007
Diana
It is with great sorrow that I write to you. I heard this morning about Paul's passing. I knew you were struggling with a "family illness" but had no idea how difficult this time must have been for you.
Please know that you, and your family, are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ruth Desmarais
September 28, 2007
Dear Mrs. Crowley:
I just wanted to express my condolences to you and your family on the passing of your husband. He was always a pleasure to see and talk to and he had the deepest respect of his colleagues and the staff members at the State House. We will all feel his loss, but the pleasurable memories he believes behind will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children.
Sincerely,
Ruth Desmarais
Administrative Assistant to
House Majority Leader Gordon Fox
Paul Hicks
September 27, 2007
To All The Crowley Family: Please receive my deepest sympathy on the passing of Paul. I first met Paul when he entered the House of Representatives and our relationship continued until I retired several years ago and move south. A dedicated and committed person, he fought for the improvement of education in Rhode Island. He will be well remembered for that, I am sure. As a frequent visitor to Ireland, my wife and I stopped in Kinsale a couple of years ago and had lunch at the Whitehouse Restaurant where we were greeted by "HOUSE 100" sitting atop the bar. What a lovely day that was. In addition we were honored to be asked to sign the "Rhode Islanders' Book". That is something we will never forget just as I will never forget Paul. May the special things about Paul live on in your hearts forever.
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CLLR Charles Henderson
September 27, 2007
Diana and Family,
CLLR. Charles and Theresa Henderson of Kinsale Co. Cork Ireland, wish to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the sad loss of Paul. He will be deeply missed by all his friends in Kinsale. We have fond memories of the time we spent with him in Newport and Kinsale.
An Old Irish Proverb
May the Road Rise to Meet You,
May the Wind Always Be At Your Back,
May the Sun Shine Warm Upon Your Face,
The Rain Fall Softly Upon Your Fields And,
Untill We Meet Again,
May God Hold You In The Palm Of His Hand.
John and Kathleen Dwyer (Crowley)
September 26, 2007
Diana & Family,
We were very sorry to hear of Paul's passing. We know he will be greatly missed by all those who knew him personally and professionally but especially by all his family. We enjoyed meeting all of you on your visits to Adrigole, Paul was very proud of his Irish roots and we were very proud of him!Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis. ( may he rest in peace)
Danny & Maureen Crowley
September 26, 2007
To Diana, Meredith, Matthew, Edward and family,
I, and my wife Maureen, were very sorry to hear of the untimely death of Paul. I recently became a public representative here in West Cork and Paul offered me many words of advice and encouragement along the way. He was a hardworking man who was totally committed in both his public and private life and was always there if you needed a hand. He had very strong family values and enjoyed getting to know his extended family here in Ireland.
Michael, Kate, Steven, Karen, Ciara & Mikey Crowley
September 26, 2007
To Diana, Meredith, Matthew, Edward and all the family,
It was with great sadness we heard of the death of Paul. We look back, with fondness, to the summer of 1988 when we spent the summer in your home and worked for Paul in ‘La Forge’ and you all extended a true ‘Irish’ welcome to us. More recently we enjoyed Paul’s many visits to Adrigole and enjoyed playing golf with him on numerous occasions. We have great memories of the Thanksgiving parties in Glengarriff, which he loved to organise and perform at! Paul was a generous and hard working man who lived life to the full. He will be missed.
Remember – “He has gone no further from you than to God. And God is very near”
Mike & Julianne Crowley
September 26, 2007
Paul - we miss you and always will. We know you loved Ireland and we have many fond and happy memories of your visits to us. We remember the wonderful Thanksgiving parties you organized and some of your favorite songs -'O Danny Boy' and 'Bantry Bay'. We had some good times together and we hope you are now in a happier place and continuing to sing Irish lullabies! Oiche Mhaith agus Codladh samh (Good night and sleep well)
To Diana, Meredith, Matthew, Edward and all the family – you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
From the “Homestead in sweet Adrigole”
Virginia da Mota
September 26, 2007
Dear Diana,
Your husband's death is a sad event for all of us who knew him. He was education's greatest champion - we all held him in great respect and affection, and we shall miss him.
I send you and your wonderful family my warm sympathy.
Francis J. Darigan, Jr.
September 26, 2007
My sincere sympathy to the Crowley family on the sad occasion of Paul's passing..I have had the priviledge of knowing Paul since he came to the legislature many years ago and have watched his career blossom as one of the most thoughtful and influential Representatives in the Chamber. The loss of his devotion to his constituents will be felt for years to come. The loss to his family and friends is truly incalcuable. His Irish wit and adherence to his Irish culture is a wonderful tribute to his heritage. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. He and his Family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Claire Newell
September 26, 2007
Diana,
My deepest symathies to you and your family at the loss of Paul. He truly was a man of great accomplishments. I know that he touched many people throughout the State and especially the children. I think that his accomplishments and memories of the times you shared together will comfort you and your family in time. May God Bless you,
Michael Frawley
September 26, 2007
Michael & Rose Frawley with the Management and Staff of The White House, Kinsale, Ireland wish to extend their deepest sympathy to Diana and family on the great loss of Paul, RIP. Paul was such a wonderful Representive for Newport and Kinsale that his name and memory will live forever.
I will always have fond memories of our first meeting together on the 20th January 1998 in The White House with Patrick Kennedy, Bob Rosenburg and John Twomey, on how to progress our Sister City relationship. The seeds were planted that night and the twinning blossomed. On the 3rd October 1999 the formal agreement was signed. We will miss Paul's beautiful singing voice and the wonderful rendering with Cllr Tomas O'Brien of "Danny Boy". The White House Managment and Staff with their customers will have fond memories of Paul RIP.
Ar Feis De Go Raibh a Ainm. (May his soul Rest In Peace).
Maury Matteodo
September 25, 2007
Matt and family,
I am very sorry for your loss. By all accounts, your father led a good life. I am certain that you have a trove of wonderful m,emories.
Evelyn Anderson
September 25, 2007
Dear Crowley Family:
I meet Paul thru my son the late Stephen J. Anderson also a State Rep. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jill Alford Ward
September 25, 2007
Diana, I was so sorry to read of Paul's passing. We were at LaForge this past Friday night and asked about him and heard he wasn't doing too well. You are in our prayers.
John C Twomey
September 25, 2007
Dear Diana and Family, on behalf of Kinsale Newport Twinning Committee, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies and respect to you all on this very sad occasion. It has been a great privilege for me to have worked with Paul on setting up the sister city relationship between our 2 towns. This relationship which has grown from strength to strength over the last 9 years was very dear to Paul and will stand as a legacy to his love for Ireland in the years to come. I am so grateful for time I spent with Paul under the shade of that Great Old tree in your from garden in August. Leaba imeasc na naomh go raibh aige [May he rest in the company of the saints] John C Twomey
Barbara Vecoli
September 25, 2007
Dear Diana and Family,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband, Paul. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Peace.
Barbara Vecoli
Richard Podgurski & Family
September 25, 2007
Loving Sister Diane & Family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I know what a great Husband, Father, Grandfather, as well as His ever ending Patriotism to His Country were. He wll be sadly missed by All who knew and Loved Him. Our Love and Prayers be with you All.
Marvin & Cheryl Abney
September 25, 2007
Diana & Family,
We are extremely saddened by the loss of Paul. He was a true champion in the challenge to bring quality education to students throughout Rhode Island. He will be surely missed in person, but he will always be alive in the individuals who have benefited from his tireless humanity. May God bless and strengthen your family during these difficult times.
Bob Power
September 25, 2007
Paul was a great friend to the Newport Public Schools.
Bud Alves
September 25, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the Crowley Family on the loss of Paul. He was a wonderful man - a family man, a statesman and a true gentleman. He will be deeply missed.
Sincerely,
Former Rep. Bud Alves
Dermot Ryan
September 25, 2007
Paul Crowley was the driving force behind the twinning between Newport and Kinsale. He always showed his pride in his Irish roots, in the March festival and the many visits to Kinsale and West Cork.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis ( May his faithful soul be at the right hand of God ).
Dermot Ryan, Kinsale
Janet Gausland
September 25, 2007
Diana & Family,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you. Remember all the good times you shared together and the joy of your grandchildren with get you thru this. Diana I'm here for you any time you want to talk.
Brent Thurston
September 25, 2007
Although I did not personally know Representative Crowley, I was a page in the House of Representatives for the past 4 years. Rep Crowley worked tirelessly for Newport and Rhode Island, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.
Capt.Phil Devitt
September 25, 2007
On behalf of the Kinsale Harbour Commissions, Kinsale, Ireland, I wish to express our Deepest Sympathy to Paul's wife & family on this sad occasion. Paul was a true friend to Kinsale.
Dia is Muire Duit ( May God & Mary be with you ).
Capt.Phil Devitt
Harbour Master
Kinsale.
Mary Hagan
September 25, 2007
Diana & Family, I am so sorry for your loss. May God give you faith, strength and courage in the coming days. Remembering the good times will help get you through. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care, Mary Hagan (RIDE)
Jean Laprade
September 25, 2007
National Trading Co.
Our sympathy goes out to Paul's Family.He will be missed by many.
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