Kelly Crook New York Obituary, Death – In the fast-moving world of New York City entrepreneurship, Kelly Crook stood out for her rare mix of compassion, creativity, and conviction. The founder and CEO of Pupper Cup, Crook passed away in June 2025 at the age of 38, leaving behind a legacy that continues to ripple through the pet care industry and animal advocacy communities nationwide.
Launched in 2017 from a modest Brooklyn food cart, Pupper Cup revolutionized dog treats by offering ethically sourced, nutrition-forward frozen desserts for pets. But for Crook, it was never just a business—it was a mission. Her values of sustainability, empathy, and wellness were embedded in every product, partnership, and campaign.
A graduate of NYU, where she studied business and environmental science, Crook uniquely merged strategy and social impact. Her deep love for animals, especially senior and special-needs dogs, guided her brand’s identity. Through Instagram campaigns, adoption events, and fundraising efforts, she amplified voices on the margins—raising over $50,000 in one week for displaced rescue animals in upstate New York.
Beyond product innovation, Crook transformed her storefronts into community hubs, hosting events like pet vaccine clinics and adoption drives. Customers and shelters alike remember her for her humility, hands-on involvement, and unwavering dedication to dogs’ well-being.
Crook is survived by her parents, two siblings, her partner, and Tilly, the rescue dog who helped inspire the brand. A memorial will be held later this month in New York City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Best Friends Animal Society or the newly established Kelly Crook Memorial Fund.
Her legacy endures through the lives she touched—canine and human alike—and through a company that continues to reflect her heart.