Obituaries

Beloved Randolph Police Sgt. Jeremiah ‘Reggie’ Crowley Dies After Long Cancer Battle

The lifelong Randolph resident, family man and decorated police officer continued serving his hometown while battling a rare cancer.

RANDOLPH, NJ — Randolph Township is mourning police Sgt. Jeremiah “Reggie” Crowley, 46, passed away peacefully on his family farm after a courageous, nine-year battle with cancer.

Crowley was a lifelong Randolph resident, devoted family man and veteran officer who continued serving his hometown while battling a rare and aggressive cancer. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Shannon, his daughter, Ryan, and four legged companion Skye.

The Randolph Township Police Department announced Crowley’s death “with unimaginable sadness and heavy hearts,” remembering him as someone whose life was rooted in family, friendship and public service.

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Crowley grew up in Randolph’s Ironia section and graduated from Randolph High School in 1998. He later earned an associate degree from County College of Morris and a bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Before putting on a police uniform, Crowley managed Bill's Luncheonette on the border of Randolph and Chester Township. Residents came to know his welcoming personality and desire to help others. As the department put it, he eventually “traded his apron for a police badge.”

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Crowley graduated from the Morris County Police Academy in 2010 and began his law enforcement career with the Morris Township Police Department. Four years later, he joined the Randolph Township Police Department, returning home to serve the community that had shaped him.

Over the course of his career, Crowley received numerous honors, including life-saving awards recognizing his courage and service. He was recently promoted to patrol sergeant after spending several months as interim sergeant.

Crowley was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and initially given only six months to live. He defied that prognosis for nine years, undergoing extensive treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center while remaining an active-duty officer for as long as he could.

“It was simply who Reggie was; he would have it no other way,” the department said.

Away from work, Crowley treasured time with his wife, Shannon, and their daughter, Ryan. He embraced Ryan’s love of horses, eventually owning horses himself and building a stable on the family’s property.

Friends and colleagues remembered Crowley for his warmth, outgoing nature and “infectious smile.” The department said he could brighten a room, make people feel welcome and genuinely looked forward to coming to work because he knew he was making a difference.

“Though Reggie is no longer with us, his legacy and the footprint he left on the Randolph community will live on forever,” the department said.

Crowley is survived by his wife and daughter, along with a community of relatives, friends, fellow officers and residents whose lives he touched.

His family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made toward Ryan’s college fund through the Randolph Police Department.

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