Douglas Jones Crowley

Douglas Jones Crowley passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on January 18, 2024 at St. Raphael’s Hospital, the same hospital in which he was born 82 years ago.

Son of the late Joseph P. and Betty Jones Crowley, Douglas grew up in New Haven and attended the Foote School. He graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy, Yale College and the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), where he earned a master’s degree in international relations. During a year working in Paris, Douglas met Roseline de Galembert, who became his wife of 58 years. They returned to New Haven in 1966, whereupon Douglas joined his brother, Joseph D. Crowley, leading the New Haven Terminal, the family-owned marine terminal business, which was founded by his grandfather T.A.D. Jones and for which he worked his entire life.

Douglas loved the city of New Haven. He served on the boards of numerous institutions including Cornerstone Inc. and The New Haven Preservation Trust. He was a loyal patron of Long Wharf Theater and the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. He was dedicated to education at all levels and supported not only his alma maters, but also funded schools and scholarships to promote access to education for all students. He maintained strong ties with Yale University through his involvement with Jonathan Edwards College, the Wrexham Foundation, which he led for many years, Saint Thomas More Chapel and the Yale School of Music.

Douglas enjoyed the proximity of New York City, regularly attending operas, ballets and theater. He was a member of the Century Association.

But Douglas was no happier than when he spent time at his summer home in Madison, Connecticut and in France at Roseline’s family home, especially with his children and grandchildren present. He was an avid traveler and regularly explored the world with Roseline, making new and interesting friends along the way.

Little known was Douglas’s talent as a bookbinder, a hobby he pursued for many years of his life. He could always be found with a book. He was an amateur photographer (largely of his family), loved football and baseball, pork ribs and good sauces, and enjoyed political sparring and a good party. His family, friends and colleagues will remember his independent thinking, youthful curiosity, charm, mischievous wit, extraordinary loyalty, generosity, and warmth.

Douglas leaves behind his wife, Roseline; his four children, Nicolas (Bruno Griscelli), Alex (Erin McVerry), Melanie (Peter Mullan) and Georgia (Matthew Lieber); his five grandchildren and his brother. He is predeceased by his sister, Betty Crowley Gurnham.

Friends are invited to join Douglas’ family for a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, January 27^th at 10:00 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church, 129 Edwards Street, New Haven CT.  Burial will be private.  BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave, Hamden in care of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The New Haven Preservation Trust, www.nhpt.org.