Northeast College of Health Sciences is mourning the loss of John LaFalce, DC, MEd, beloved faculty clinician, mentor and colleague, who passed away August 20 at his home in Sayville, New York. He was 51.
A 2006 graduate of Northeast College (then New York Chiropractic College), LaFalce also earned a master’s degree in health science from Springfield College, noted a Northeast College press release. Before embarking on his chiropractic career, he worked extensively with college-level athletes, minor league soccer teams and in athletic training education.
He was a Certified Athletic Trainer through the National Athletic Trainers Association and in 2023 was inducted as a Fellow into the American College of Chiropractors (ACC).
LaFalce joined the Levittown Health Center in 2008, where he served as a faculty clinician, mentoring future doctors of chiropractic through their clinical clerkships. He also taught continuing education courses, reflecting his commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. LaFalce played an instrumental role in advancing the College’s clinical partnerships, including spearheading efforts at Stony Brook University, and his leadership was pivotal in the planning, creation and launch of Northeast College’s Long Island branch campus.
In addition to his service at Northeast, LaFalce was the team DC for the New York Riptide professional box lacrosse team of the National Lacrosse League. His clinical expertise and post-graduate certifications—including in ConnecTX, RockTape, Kinesiotaping, Active Release Techniques (ART), Primary Spine Care and ACBSP Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner—made him a trusted resource for athletes at every level. An avid runner and triathlete himself, he inspired many with his dedication to health, wellness and performance.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, LaFalce will be remembered as a loving partner and father, and for his warmth, generosity and unwavering support for his students, patients and colleagues. His contributions to Northeast College and the chiropractic profession have left an enduring legacy.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that gifts be made to Northeast College of Health Sciences, the Redmond Endowment Fund for Athletic Training at Springfield College, or Mondays Cancer Care.
LaFalce’s full obituary is available here.
About Northeast College of Health Sciences
For more than a century, Northeast College of Health Sciences has been dedicated to training healthcare’s future leaders. At Northeast, health and wellness are our central focus, driving everything we do. The College’s graduate and undergraduate academic programs in areas such as chiropractic, nutrition, human anatomy instruction, massage therapy and the imaging sciences are rooted in Northeast’s mission and commitment to academic excellence, leadership and professional best practices. From our 286-acre main campus in New York’s Finger Lakes to our state-of-the-art branch campus on Long Island to our renowned faculty of expert practitioners, Northeast College provides a transformative educational experience, 100% dedicated to health sciences.
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