LA MARSA, TUNISIA Thomas Crowley, known to his industry colleagues throughout the Middle East as “a true gentleman hotelier,” died on Christmas morning at the age of 62 after a bout with cancer.
Crowley was most recently the opening general manager for Mövenpick Hotel Gammarth, Tunisia. He is survived by his wife, Constantina, and son, Aristomenis.
John Northen, area vice president of Southeast Asia for Marriott International and a good friend of Crowley’s, wrote a tribute to him on behalf of several other hoteliers…
“Tom Crowley was a great professional, in the league of legendary hoteliers, having managed famous hotels such as Le Grand Hotel InterContinental in Paris; the Hilton in Kinshasa, Zaire; the Marbella Club and Puente Romano in Spain; the Conrad at Chelsea Harbour London; Le Royal, Amman; and Le Royal, Beirut, among others.
“During a very difficult and challenging period in Jordan and during the time of the second invasion of neighboring Iraq, several key hoteliers worked very closely together. Great friendships were formed, and the community spirit that resulted was highly beneficial to us all. Tom Crowley was one of the senior general managers in Amman as the opening general manager for The Royal, a landmark property in the city. Tom played a major part in this group of hoteliers and was a man who we all looked up to and respected.
“We all remember how Tom was intensely dedicated to duty with a passionate love for his work, and he was honest, honorable and respectful of cultures and creeds. We recall how Tom had a great sense of humor, too, and despite his seniority, he would always be willing to take part in the pranks and jokes that we played on one another. There was even one occasion when this group of hoteliers dressed up to perform the Village People song, ‘YMCA,’ with Tom clad in some strange sort of ski outfit!
“Sadly, Tom passed away early this past Christmas morning after more than a year-long brave fight against a very aggressive cancer of the esophagus. During this last year, Tom underwent painful and devastating chemotherapy but remained completely dedicated to the opening of the new Mövenpick Hotel Gammarth, and he never missed a working day.
“Tom was one of our industry’s consummate hoteliers. It was in his blood and heart and he loved the business, the people and the life of an hotelier. A more professional, straightforward, humorous man you could not hope to meet, and we are all the poorer for losing him.”
