Gronk and Camille Kostek Mourn Loss of Patriots Alum and Charity Pioneer Susan Hurley
Among the many Boston residents grieving the passing of Susan Hurley, a former New England Patriots cheerleader and the visionary behind CharityTeams, is Rob Gronkowski, following her death at the beginning of the month.
“A remarkable individual departed this past weekend,” stated Gronkowski, aged 36, in an Instagram post on Tuesday, November 4, subsequent to Hurley’s family announcing her death on Saturday, November 1.
Hurley, a Patriots cheerleader in her youth before establishing CharityTeams, succumbed to ovarian cancer after a four-year fight. She was 61 years old.
Gronkowski personally shared that Hurley had been acquainted with him and his family “for an extended period,” informing his audience, “She evolved into a dear friend and provided immeasurable support to our foundation throughout the years.”
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“However, beyond her involvement with our team, Susan meticulously managed numerous charity groups for the Boston Marathon and their registration, facilitating significant fundraising for various causes,” he remembered. “Her actions were always driven by pure affection: a passion for sports, a fondness for individuals, a desire to aid others, and a deep care for children.”
Gronkowski, who served as a tight end for the Patriots organization from 2010 to 2018, characterized Hurley as an individual who “consistently displayed a cheerful demeanor and unwavering optimism, serving as a daily source of motivation for runners and charitable organizations, even during her battle with cancer.”
The former NFL star further commented, “Her fortitude and perseverance were genuinely inspiring, and her absence will be deeply felt.”
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Gronkowski also recognized, “The Gronk Playground would not exist without Susan,” referencing his collaboration with Hurley’s CharityTeams, Nation Youth Foundation, and the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation to inaugurate a modern playground in Boston that August.
“I am grateful that her impact will endure through the playground, significantly benefiting not only the children of the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation she supported, but also all the young ones she continues to motivate daily,” he finished, including pictures from the park’s debut and moments shared with Hurley.
Camille Kostek, Gronkowski’s long-term partner and a former Patriots cheerleader herself, also honored Hurley’s memory.
“I am heartbroken by this bereavement. Susan exemplified a life lived with intentionality and fervor. She radiated joy,” Kostek, 33, commented beneath Gronkowski’s Instagram update. “Her warmth and benevolence touched everyone she encountered.”
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The model continued, “She was incredibly enthusiastic about your establishment of this playground as a lasting legacy in Boston, and now her own legacy thrives within it. I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing you both transform this playground from initial concepts to its magnificent inauguration, and I will forever hold dear my final embrace with her. You are deeply cherished, Susan.”
Similar to Gronkowski, Hurley contributed significantly to Boston after her tenure with the Patriots. In 2008, Hurley founded CharityTeams, facilitating fundraising for nonprofit organizations via sporting competitions.
Beyond her collaboration with Gronkowski and his personal nonprofit, the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation, Hurley gained recognition for her involvement with the Boston Marathon. Over 18 years, she coached participants and directed the “Superhero 17” race, in which charity athletes competed in superhero costumes.
Hurley is survived by her two children, Ryan and Max McGillivray, from her previous marriage to David McGillivray.
