Heartbroken Levittown Mourns Death Of 'Man Behind The Lens'

LEVITTOWN, NY — Heartbroken members of the Levittown community are mourning the loss of a beloved community member. Joseph Gallagher, an alumni of General Douglas MacArthur High School who was known for photographing community events, died Tuesday just days after celebrating his 29th wedding anniversary. He was 54.

Almost immediately, tributes poured in remembering Gallagher as an active and positive influence in the community, as well as a devoted husband and father. A GoFundMe account created to raise money for the family said he always put family, friends and his community first.

"His sudden passing is such a tremendous loss to this world," the post said. " I know his only concern right now would be for his wife and son to be taken care of at this difficult time. This is our chance as a community to give back to Joseph, who has done so much for so many."

In a touching Facebook post, Gallagher's cousin described him as the "'cool' older cousin you couldn't help but look up to."

"Many of my childhood memories and photos are with Joe," he wrote. "Whether he was taking care of me or torturing me by stuffing me in his dresser drawer, Joe always had that charming smile and lovable personality."

In the community, Gallagher was the "man behind the lens," a relentless community presence known for giving back to the MacArthur community. For years, he snapped photos at various events and then spent painstaking hours editing and uploading them.

"He did all of this of his free will and never asked for anything in return," said Gallagher's cousin. "If you asked him why, he would say 'I can never repay them enough for what they did for me and my family."

One community member who was one of those people Gallagher captured with his camera thanked him for all he'd done for the Generals — the pictures, memories and hearts he touched.

"This might be one of the best pictures of me and my daughter walking out of the last swim meet," she wrote. "Joseph S Gallagher didn't even look through the lens, he picked it up and shot it without looking ..."

She added: "Levittown has suffered a great loss."

Another woman called Gallagher an extraordinary man who acted with true gratitude and devotion.

"You and your family have touched a wide community and a generation of students, as well as their families and beyond," she said. "May your influence and mission be carried on by all whom have been touched by your presence and actions."

In 2013, Gallagher's son Brendan, who has autism and whose verbal skills are limited, was given the honorary title of MacArthur's first grand marshal. Brendan had been voted homecoming king, but the elder Gallagher told Newsday he felt the honor should go to someone else.

"It would’ve meant more to [another student]," Joseph Gallagher said at the time. "It would have been a moment for him but a lifetime for someone else."

The community has rallied around Gallagher's family, raising more than $23,000 of a $30,000 goal over the course of a single day.

A visitation is planned Saturday from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and then again Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home in Bethpage.

A funeral service is planned at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, and then he'll be laid to rest at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale.

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