John C. Gallagher

John began his teaching career in 1962 and became a tenured professor of history and political science at Suffolk County Community College. He served on the faculty senate and then worked as Executive Assistant to President Ammerman. He went on to become an Associate Dean of Instruction on the Ammerman campus, and in 1973 became the founding Executive Dean of the newly formed Western campus.

John began his political career in 1980 when he was appointed Chief Deputy County Executive by Peter Fox Cohalan. After working as VP for Development for St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn beginning in 1986, John returned to government in 1991 and served as Deputy County Executive for Robert Gaffney. John was tasked with handling all public safety matters in this role, and in 1997 he was appointed Police Commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department. Throughout these years, John continued to teach as an adjunct professor on the Grant campus.

Upon his retirement in 2004, John was awarded the Suffolk County Medal of Honor. In that year, the SCCC Board of Trustees named the Suffolk Police Academy on the Grant campus the John C. Gallagher Suffolk Police Academy. In 2010, John was awarded the President’s Medallion for Excellence in recognition of his service to the College and the community.

Patricia, John’s wife of 55 years, predeceased him in 2017. He is survived by his three children, John C. Gallagher Jr., Maura Smith (James), and Courtney Brewer (Dave); seven grandchildren, John C. Gallagher III, Ryan Gallagher, Ean Smith, Marin Smith, Connor Smith, Matthew Brewer and Michael Brewer, and one great-granddaughter, Paisley Baeza.

Services for John will be held at O.B. Davis Funeral Homes, 1001 Route 25A, Miller Place, NY on Monday, June 21st from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, and Tuesday June 22nd from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, June 23rd, 10:00 am at St. Louis de Montfort in Sound Beach, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Suffolk Community College Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.obdavismillerplace.com for the Gallagher family.