Robert Crowley, 79, passed away on Friday, February 13. Born on January 11, 1947, at Cook County Hospital in Illinois, he lived a life defined by loyalty, resilience, and humor.

Robert was residing in Hernando, Florida, before he and his wife, Laurie, made the decision to move to Seattle to be closer to his daughters and their granddaughter in his final months.

He made French press coffee so thick it looked (and tasted) like tar. He mastered the Big Green Egg like it was a competitive sport. And he treated Papa’s Pool like a meteorologist delivering the nightly forecast – water temp, air temp, wind report included.

A gifted tennis and platform tennis player, he could place the ball anywhere on the court.

He earned his MBA and built a successful career as a Vice President and CEO. Smart, strategic, and decisive, he approached both work and life with conviction. Of all his accomplishments, however, his favorite role was “Papa.” Watching his granddaughter, Sofia, grow brought him immense joy.

A fiercely loyal Notre Dame supporter, he attended games beginning in 1956 and held season tickets for decades, rarely missing a chance to show up for the Irish.

He loved sunsets – especially the dramatic swirls of pink and red – lace curtains (equal parts gin and vodka), Hendricks and tonic with cucumber, and long conversations that stretched late into the evening.

A brother, uncle, and steadfast friends, Robert maintained relationships across decades and communities, including a 70-year friendship with Bob Bramlett, classmates from Marian Catholic, fraternity brothers from the University of Illinois and Indiana, and friends from FUBAR, Neenah, and Citrus Hills. He stayed connected and showed up for the people he cared about.

Cancer was met with determination and grit. He endured radiation, chemotherapy, and countless treatments without surrendering hope. Even as illness progressed, his wit remained intact. When asked what sign he would leave behind, he famously replied, “A potato,” and later “A bumble bee.”

He loved deeply, fought hard, and remained surrounded by those who mattered most.

He is survived by his wife, Laurie Crowley; his daughters Erin Gibbon (Cleve) and Katy Crowley; his son, Tim Crowley; his stepson, Jake Behrens; and his beloved granddaughter, Sofia Gibbon, who was truly the light of his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the University of Notre Dame at giving.nd.edu 

He will be remembered by his resilience, loyalty, humor, and enduring love for his family and friends.

Go Irish.