Elena Crowley, a retired New York Police Department officer and a former security guard at Roslyn High School, was fatally hit while crossing the street in Wantagh on Monday, March 9. She was 53.
Crowley, a Wantagh resident, was remembered publicly as a loving family member who served in the line of duty and the students of the Roslyn School District.
A GoFundMe page was set up by Aja Beckmann to help support funeral and memorial expenses and to ease the financial burden on her family, which has raised over $44,000 since Crowley’s death.
“Her sudden loss has left her family and everyone who knew her heartbroken,” Beckmann wrote.
Beckmann said Crowley had a “tender soul,” always showing up for her family and friends, and “loved harder than anyone when it came to the people in her life.”
She said Crowley found purpose in her work at Roslyn schools, where she cared for many students and was beloved.
In a message to the school community Monday night, Roslyn Superintendent Allison Brown said Crowley’s sudden death left the district in mourning.
“Elena was more than a colleague; she was a vital part of our school family,” Brown wrote. “She worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff. Her kindness and vigilance will be deeply missed, and her absence will be felt throughout our entire community.”
“Elena loved harder than anyone when it came to those she loved,” an online obituary said. “Her children were her world, she took every opportunity to proudly speak about them and love them wholeheartedly. She loved her dogs dearly, the beach, spending late nights by her pool peacefully relaxing, she cherished Christmas traditions and the memories made.”
According to Nassau County police, the crash occurred at about 5:22 p.m. in Wantagh. Police said a 57-year-old man driving a 2025 GMC pickup truck was traveling west on Lufberry Avenue and turning south onto Briard Street when the vehicle struck Crowley. the driver remained at the scene.
Crowley was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead by hospital staff.
Crowley is survived by her husband, Bryan, and two children, Sierra and Damien.
