Joseph P. Killeen III of Islip, New York, passed away peacefully at home, in the loving embrace of his family, on September 18, 2022, following a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. Born on June 3, 1962, Joe was the eldest son of the late Sarah and Joseph Peter Killeen, Jr., and the brother of Michael, Timothy, Thomas, and Gregory Killeen. Raised in West Islip, New York, Joe graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in physical education from Lynchburg College in Virginia, where he lettered in varsity sports all four years. He was a member of the men’s indoor and outdoor track & field teams, and his achievements included several school records in individual and relay events and All Conference awards. Recruited as a pole vaulter by then-track coach Dr. Jack Toms, Joe eventually competed in over nine different events during track & field meets. He was Lynchburg College’s first All American in track & field, finishing in fourth place in the 400-meter hurdles in the NCAA Division III outdoor championship meet his senior year. He was inducted into the Lynchburg College Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. Coach Toms remained a cherished friend and mentor throughout Joe’s life.

Joe joined the staff of Plainview Physical Therapy in 1986, beginning a lifetime career of caring for others. In addition to conducting patient rehabilitation training, he established athletic training programs in various school districts and an injury clinic for local high school athletes to treat sport-related injuries after school hours. In 1997, Joe began working as the athletic trainer for Bethpage High School, a position he would continue until his untimely death. His dedication to the Bethpage students, staff and community was boundless, and the overwhelming support he received from the community after his cancer diagnosis strengthened him. Having been born with limitless energy, Joe also was the owner of All American Speed and Conditioning, which designed personalized, sport-specific performance training programs for professional, college, and high school athletes and teams. He further volunteered his services for numerous sporting events and competitions, including acting as an athletic trainer for the Empire Challenge football game for more than 20 years.

“Joe the Trainer” touched the lives of countless people during his 36-year career. He freely shared his gifts of kindness and compassion without hesitation or reservation with patients, athletes, co-workers, friends, neighbors and strangers. At home, he was an extraordinary husband and parent, who loved his family unconditionally. Joe’s unwavering devotion and support were the bedrock of our lives. Nothing was more important to him than his family. He always was interested in what we were thinking and doing and feeling. He always had time for a story, for an encouraging word, for a bit of advice, for a smile. He always had time for us. Our life with him was heaven on earth. We were blessed to have his love, and the certainty that one day we will be together again gives us comfort and strength. Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Janet Sutherland, and his exceptional children, Caroline and William. He is cherished by all the members of the Killeen and Sutherland families. We forever will be inspired by his strength, courage, integrity, kindness, and love of life.