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John Haggerty, the retired Republican aide who died last Monday at his home in Forest Hills, left behind an undeniable legacy within the GOP.

The 71-year-old served as Queens County Republican Party chairman, but is best known for his time as chief counsel to former Senate Majority Leader Warren Anderson of Binghamton during the 1970s.

“He was the gatekeeper for the State Senate,” his son Bart, 35, said. “Every piece of legislation came through him or went by him.”

Many credit Haggerty for keeping the party together in a decidedly liberal county. Though he officially bowed out nearly 20 years ago, his mark on Albany continues to this day. Bart believes that one of his father’s greatest accomplishments was ensuring the smooth transition from Sen. Martin Knorr to Serphin Maltese (R-Gleandale) in 1988 while serving as county chairman.

Critics of Haggerty point to the power he wielded under Anderson, and the deals he made involving health care during the state’s economic downturn in the 1970s. But Bart paints Haggerty as a hardnosed man of the people, not a backroom politician.

“He was tough but fair. His word was his bond,” Bart said.

This is a prevailing attitude among the Fordham University grad’s family and acquaintances. Phil Ragusa, who served as treasurer under Haggerty, is quick to defend his longtime friend.

“I think he had the power they gave him,” Ragusa said. “The greater the responsibility you have, the more power you’re going to have. I think he did a great job.”

After quitting the politics in 1989, Haggerty focused on his Garden City law practice. He remained active in the community following his retirement in the mid 90s. Volunteer work became a big part of his life around the community, including service at a local soup kitchen.

“He was a great gentleman, and we’re going to miss him,” Ragusa says.

Haggerty lived long enough to see fellow republican Anthony Como snatch the city council seat vacated by Dennis P. Gallagher last year. Como claimed victory from democrat Elizabeth Crowley in a special election on June 13. The GOP still holds only three of the 51 council seats, but the victory helped heal the party’s black eye caused by Gallagher’s departure following an office sex scandal. Ragusa, who now serves as Queens County Republican chairman, believes the victory gave the party some much-needed momentum heading into this fall’s general elections.

“I think that was a great boost for us,” Ragusa says. “We’re alive. We have a great slate of candidates this time around.”

These candidates include Tom Dooley, running for senate in the 12th district, and Maltese, who is up for reelection.