Thu. Jan 2nd, 2025

Pat Crowley

Pat Crowley, who worked for 27 years as a journalist before founding public relations firm Strategic Advisers in 2009, died Dec. 28 at the age of 63, according to a statement from his family. 

“He was well known in the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati community for his intelligence, humor and wit, compassion, work ethic, and abundant love of his dear family as well as the many cats and dogs that he and Pam rescued and cared for over the years,” the statement said. 

Crowley is survived by his wife, Pam; daughter, Shayna; son, Connor, twin grandsons and a granddaughter. 

Most of Crowley’s time as a journalist was spent at the Cincinnati Enquirer, where he covered Northern Kentucky and Frankfort. 

In 2007, The Kentucky Press Association named him the state’s top columnist and his 2004 series on casino gambling earned state and national awards, according to the family statement. The Washington Post selected him as one of the country’s top political reporters and political bloggers.

“He touched many lives during his brilliant lifetime and he made those lives better because of his kindness, thoughtfulness, and friendship,” his family said in the statement. 

‘Everybody has a Pat Crowley story’

When we heard about the passing of Northern Kentucky’s Pat Crowley, each of us here at LINK told our own Crowley story.

Then we worked to quickly put together a story with his family’s statement so that the community would know what happened and be able to tell their own Crowley stories. 

In the newspaper business, we tell a lot of stories. And we tell a lot of stories about people who died. 

But it’s rare that our comments sections are inundated to this level with so many amazing stories. 

Crowley worked for more than 27 years as a journalist, focused mostly on Northern Kentucky and Frankfort, before creating public relations firm Strategic Advisors in 2009. 

John Byczkowski was a reporter and editor at the Enquirer from the mid-1980s until the early 2000s. 

“I was once asked by an editor to look at newsroom performance, so I did byline counts on a bunch of reporters,” Byczkowski said. “That year I had like 230 bylines. Most Metro reporters were in the 100-150 range. Pat had 400 bylines that year.”

When he posted the story about Crowley’s death to Facebook, Byczkowski said, “I think everybody has a Pat Crowley story.” 

Here are some of those stories. 

“What a legacy! But so gutted to hear this news. Pat, your guidance and mentorship for FTM and RCN will live through into LINK nky for years to come. Praying for comfort for your family and friends.” – Mark Collier

“I can absolutely see Pat at The Big Top Festival flipping burgers on the hill of the old Woodfill Elementary which he did as readily as serving as a guest speaker in the classroom, chasing down the story, taking good care of his wonderful family, writing some of the best political columns I’ve ever read, and basically just being everywhere. So handsome. So professional. So extremely smart. Such a great family man! Truly heartbroken for your beautiful family, Pam, Shayna, Conor, and beautiful grandchildren. One of the very best! God rest his soul.” – Dawn Shields Hils

“A legendary journalist, logical lobbyist, jovial joke teller, had phenomenal hair, an all around fantastic human, and an OK golfer. Sending peace and love to his wonderful family. Thank you Pat!” – Ben Baker

“He was such a thoughtful neighbor. Pat would often stop as he was driving by to ask about the Highlands football team. A very sweet, kind person.” – Colleen Dunn

“Our friend and mine, Pat Crowley was a professional and a friend to all with whom he came in contact. He always was there with a good word or offering assistance in tough times. Pat and I first met in the mid 1980’s when he worked at the Enquirer. He wrote an article about me regarding how much friendship came first over politics. I asked him and he accepted the role of Master Ceremonies and Guest Speaker for Southgate’s Centennial. He was also the Guest Speaker when again asked as the Guest Speaker for an annual MGLNK Dinner, again years ago after leaving the Enquirer. He sent me a Thanksgiving message this year out of nowhere when he texted, “Happy Thanksgiving Buddy.” I responded to him wishing the same for he, Pam and family. Pat was a negotiator and a peacemaker. “Blessed are the peacemakers” and that is another trait describing Pat.” – Jim Hamberg

“So very sad. He was a wonderful advocate for our region and an exceptional human being. The world is a little less bright today.” – Dave Schroeder

“He WAS the best journalist I ever worked with. Pat was the example I tried to follow. He worked harder than anyone I ever saw. He was whip smart and funny. Pat was who I chose to interview about the profession when I was in college, before I worked with him. He was always gracious with his time, honest and a great friend. I can’t believe I am reading this today.” – Chris Mayhew

“So sad to hear this…when his children went to Highlands, he was so generous with his time to talk about current events with our Seniors in our Gov classes. The students loved hearing what he had to say. He was the best!” – Kym Wilson Grillot

“One of the best Woodfill dads ever! Loved having him in our school and volunteering his time. Smart and kind are two words I think of when I think of him. Sending hugs and prayers to his sweet family!” – Kelly Smith

“Pat was a truly great guy with a warm smile. I had the privilege of getting to know him during my time at the Sheriff’s Office. He will be deeply missed. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends. He was one of NKY’s finest.” – Ron Washington

“This is sad news for sure. I met him in the early 90’s during the flood in Falmouth when I was on city council. Always appreciated his friendship and honesty in reporting then and during my career as a school superintendent.” – Anthony Strong

“So very sad. Pat was such a wonderful man! I remember my first year teaching in the district and taking the 6th grade to DC. Pat was a dynamic unofficial tour guide and entertained the students and adults with his wealth of knowledge and quick wit. He will be missed by so many. Sending lots of love and prayers to his family.” – Jerri Smith Payne

“Pat was a great man who did a lot of great things behind the scene for our communities in Northern Kentucky. Pat was instrumental in getting dozens of laws passed in Frankfort that we all benefited from. You will be missed my friend.” – John McClain

“I am at loss for words. My thoughts and prayers go out to Pam and his children. Pat “Duke” was a childhood friend of my older brother’s and spent many nights at our house growing up. One of the funniest guys I have ever met. Just ran into he and Pam recently. So very shocking and sad. Prayers.” – Susanne Gill Ganshirt

“One of the all-time best. He was funny, kind and so generous with his time and talent. He was one of the best journalists I have ever worked with, around and against. I’m beyond sad to read this news.” – Joe Wessels

“Sorry to hear this. I got to know Pat back in the 1990s. He was fair and objective which are two hallmarks of a great journalist. I once saw him in Tower Park. He was walking a three-legged dog and I asked him about it. He said, ‘They were out of the dogs with only two.’” – Pat Lance

This story is republished from LINK nky.

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