Kelly Crook Obituary-Death News; Kelly Crook Passed Away – Founder Of Pupper Cup Kelly Crook Dies Suddenly
The New York City community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Kelly Crook, beloved entrepreneur, animal welfare advocate, and founder/CEO of Pupper Cup, who passed away unexpectedly in June 2025 at the age of 38. Her death has left a deep void in the hearts of her family, friends, colleagues, customers, and countless pet lovers whose lives she touched through her mission-driven business.
Kelly was widely recognized for her passion for animals, her innovative spirit, and her warm, approachable leadership. As the visionary behind Pupper Cup—a pet-focused business specializing in artisanal frozen treats and wellness products for dogs—Kelly built more than a brand; she built a community. Her small-batch “doggy ice cream” business, originally started from a food cart in Brooklyn, blossomed into a celebrated, cruelty-free company with national reach, multiple storefronts, and a devoted customer base of both pets and people.
Born and raised in New York, Kelly Crook had a lifelong love for animals and a relentless drive to bring joy and care into their lives. She attended NYU, where she studied business and environmental science, blending her love of entrepreneurship with her desire to make a meaningful impact. Her dream of creating something sustainable and heartfelt came to life with the founding of Pupper Cup in 2017.
From the beginning, Kelly focused on quality, transparency, and compassion. All products were made with locally sourced ingredients, free from artificial additives, and formulated with veterinary guidance. Her unique vision gained traction quickly through social media, earning features in The New York Times, Forbes, and Pet Business Magazine. But what truly set Kelly apart was her authenticity—she was deeply involved in every part of her business, from developing recipes to engaging with customers at events and pop-up locations across the city.
Under her leadership, Pupper Cup also gave back generously to the community. Kelly frequently partnered with local shelters, hosting adoption events, donation drives, and fundraisers for rescue organizations. She was especially passionate about senior and special-needs dogs, often highlighting adoptable pups on the brand’s Instagram and using her platform to advocate for the voiceless.
Those who knew Kelly personally describe her as magnetic and endlessly kind. She had an effortless ability to connect, whether it was with a business partner, a customer, or a scared rescue dog seeing kindness for the first time. Her smile was bright, her laugh infectious, and her sense of purpose unwavering.
Kelly is survived by her parents, two siblings, her longtime partner, and her beloved rescue dog, Tilly often considered the original “taste-tester” and face of Pupper Cup. The company has announced that it will continue operations under the leadership of her trusted team, with plans to honor her memory through ongoing animal welfare initiatives and a new scholarship fund for women in animal-focused entrepreneurship.
A memorial service will be held in New York City later this month. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Best Friends Animal Society or to the Kelly Crook Memorial Fund for Animal Advocacy.
