Former longtime Post staff photographer Don Halasy died on Nov. 11 after a courageous struggle with heart disease. He was 74.
Halasy’s award-winning 1988 photograph.Don Halasy“An excellent photographer. He was one of the warmest and most caring people it was possible to meet. A true gentleman” said David Boyle, The Post’s photo editor.
Halasy’s memorable body of work includes an award-winning photo of a mounted NYPD officer arresting a robber in 1988; a candid portrait of Presidents Reagan and Gorbachev and Vice President Bush on Governor’s Island during the Soviet leader’s visit to the city that same year; and a 1987 shot of notorious mob big John Gotti with a bodyguard.
The 24-year Post veteran narrowly escaped death on 9/11 when he was buried under a pile of debris when the second tower collapsed.
After clawing his way out, he realized he had left a camera containing photos of the first tower collapsing behind – and dug back into the pile to retrieve it.
Halasy after escaping the World Trade Center rubble on 9/11.Juan Gonzalez In a later interview, Halasy described his reaction to the terror attack.
“I’m totally pissed,” he said. “Being in the media, I try very hard to be objective. This is the kind of thing that really shakes my objectivity. This was such a heinous, horrendous, disgusting act of cowardice. I never use the word ‘hate’ because I think it’s an extremely violent word, but I hate these sons of bitches. I hate them.”
Born and raised on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Halasy most recently lived in Monroe, New Jersey. He was predeceased by his wife Karen, and is survived by his sons Hale and Robert, a sister, Patricia Dursi and five grandchildren.
Friends can pay their respects from 4 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 25 at the Michael Hegarty Funeral Home in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey, and can share their memories of Don during a Celebration of Life at 7 p.m.
