Douglas Crowley, 28
Douglas Crowley, of Weymouth, died unexpectedly on March 4. He was 28.
Doug was sensitive, kind, brilliant, gregarious, and hilariously funny. He attended Hingham Public Schools and was deemed a National Merit Scholar based on his Scholastic Aptitude Test.
He was a prolific writer from an early age; he wrote his first short story when he was 10. When he was 12, he knew enough Spanish to help some folks on the MBTA with directions. He later became nearly fluent and used his Spanish language skills in a number of jobs, including his position at Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, where he was adept at explaining the labyrinthian intricacies of health insurance coverage to his customers.
Doug also worked his way up as a server in fine dining, getting his start with the Eatwell Inc. restaurants – Tosca, Cafe Tosca, and Stars Restaurant in Hingham. He moved to Manhattan at age 21 and worked at several Michelin-rated restaurants.
Doug was equally comfortable in conversations with his colleagues at the front and back of the house, as well as the occasional celebrities and political bigwigs whom he waited on. On his days off, he took artful photographs of the people and architecture around the city.
Most importantly, Doug was empathic. He was a fierce supporter of the underdog or anyone who seemed to be suffering. Just before he died, Doug was planning to return to college and, eventually, law school.
Anyone who ever engaged in friendly arguments with him would have endorsed this plan.
Doug was the beloved brother of Cynthia Crowley, of Burlington, Vt. He was the cherished son of Karyn Donahue, of Somerville, formerly of Hull; and Richard Crowley, of North Weymouth. He was the beloved grandson of Ameila Crowley, of North Weymouth, and Alice Donahue, of Quincy. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A funeral and celebration of Doug's life was held on March 11.
Doug struggled recently with the disease of opioid addiction. If you knew Doug, or you or someone you know has struggled with the awful scourge of opioid addiction, please consider making a donation, in Doug's memory, to www.learn2cope.org, a nonprofit support network that offers education, resources, peer support, and hope for parents and family members coping with a loved one addicted to opiates or other drugs.