Three years after retiring as superintendent of the House Daily Press Gallery, Jerry Gallegos passed away on Sunday in Maryland from a liver disorder. He was 70.

Gallegos had worked in the gallery for 44 years before retiring in August 2013, when current director Annie Tin took over.

“He left a mark here and he’s going to be dreadfully missed,” said House Press Gallery Deputy Director Justin Supon, who was Gallegos’ deputy from 1998 until his retirement.

Since joining the staff in 1969, Gallegos worked for 28 years before being promoted to superintendent in 1997. From there, he guided the press gallery through the shooting of two Capitol Police officers in 1998 and the 9/11 attacks.

“Jerry was a passionate advocate for the press in the Capitol but he was also a caring boss to the staff,” Supon said. “For me, personally, he was a mentor and surrogate father and he helped me in incredible ways, both professionally and personally.”