The recent loss of two prominent figures in Western New York’s LGBTQ+ community has stirred profound sorrow. Local news affiliate WIVB shared that Michael ‘Mickey’ Harmon and Jordan Celotto, partners in life and co-owners of The Good Stuff gallery in Buffalo, were found deceased at their Allentown residence earlier this week. Authorities confirmed that the cause of death was blunt force trauma, and two lives were tragically cut short in what is currently being perceived as a double homicide.
Additional reports by WGRZ provided insights about a potential person of interest. This unidentified individual was allegedly found outside Mickey and Jordan’s residence, brandishing a knife. It was added that the person had inflicted self-harm and has since been detained in the ECMC Hospital. Buffalo’s Acting Mayor, Chris Scanlon, joined conversations speculating on motives behind this unsettling crime. He told WKBW reporters that preliminary indications did not point toward a hate crime.
Yet, Scanlon ensured concerned residents that the investigation will unveil all possible leads. As both Harmon, aged 40, and Celotto, 37, were influential artists and pillars of their community, the shock waves of their untimely death reverberated throughout the city. Harmon had a seat at the Allentown Association. He had earned a reputation, and the hearts of many, for his detailed illustrations of historic Buffalo buildings and landmarks. His murals, frequently emphasizing LGBTQ+ themes, resonated with many.
New York State Senator Sean Ryan paid homage to the departed duo, expressing a sense of personal loss in his words. He called Mickey an ‘anchor of Buffalo’s LGBTQ+ community,’ lauding his artistic abilities and leadership contributions in Allentown. His tribute also carried warm memories of Jordan’s impact on local social life. Whether at the Remedy House or on the dance floor, Jordan’s embracing aura and the delight he gave his numerous friends and neighbors would be the legacy he leaves behind.
The Allentown Association joined in expressing their grief and loss. They affirmed, ‘Our hearts are heavy tonight.’ The news of Mickey and Jordan’s passing had forced them to grapple with an undeniable void. In their statement, the association emphasized the indelible impact both had on Allentown, outlining Mickey’s significant contributions in carving out the neighborhood’s distinctive identity.
No corner of Allentown was untouched by Mickey’s influence—the local sentiment was that his presence was ubiquitous. His artistic creations, his involvement in community events, and his warmth had invigorated Allentown, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to interact with him. The Allentown Association remembered Mickey’s good work on their board over many years and regarded his efforts as instrumental in making the neighborhood a unique place to live and visit.
In this period of communal mourning, the Association sought solace in Mickey and Jordan’s legacy of love and community. They expressed their belief in the power of unity and pledged to navigate through the troubling times, drawing inspiration from the lives that Mickey and Jordan embraced to the fullest.
On Wednesday evening, friends and loved ones congregated for a candlelit vigil at Twenty Six Allen––a familiar haunt where Celotto often tinkered with the turntables and Harmon swayed to the groove. This shared space bore poignant testament to the couple’s shared love of music and dance.
The community’s collective grief found voice in words echoed by Mitch Nowakowski, member of the Fillmore District Common Council. He proclaimed a fervent refusal to let Mickey and Jordan’s memories be tarnished by the circumstances of their deaths. He insisted that the wider community should celebrate them as artists and Allentown’s transformative forces, who endeavored to enrich their surroundings.
The groundswell of respect and admiration for Mickey and Jordan testified to their impact: they were not merely residents of Allentown; they were integral to its heartbeat. The duo was recognized for animating the neighborhood with their tireless efforts. Nowakowski reminisced on their fruitful collaborations ever since he assumed office.
As he paid tribute to their remarkable lives, Nowakowski reminded the public of the part Mickey and Jordan played in shaping Allentown’s dynamic character. The neighborhood’s vibrant festivals and eye-capturing artwork bore their imprints. His poignant appeal was for everyone to remember them for the life they breathed into Allentown: ‘When you look and see Allentown, its vibrancy, its festivals, its artwork, think of them because that is who they are.’
Nowakowski emphasized their enduring legacy, refusing to let it be overshadowed by the cruel events that marked the end of their lives. They should be remembered as individuals who brought about positive change, and not victims of a tragic incident. In respect to the ongoing investigation, there are undoubtedly more details to be revealed about the circumstances surrounding their untimely demise.
In the same vein, the community was called upon to remember Mickey not just as the man behind the captivating murals, but also as an active participant and leader in various local events. The Allentown Association highlighted the time he dedicated to their board over seven years, marking Mickey’s indelible contributions to shaping Allentown into the special place it continues to be.
Throughout this ordeal, a clear undercurrent of unity and strength has coursed through the community. The shared shock and heartbreak over Mickey and Jordan’s passing have brought to light their immeasurable contributions to the revitalization of Allentown and the inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community in Western New York.
Despite the heavy air of grief, there remains a universal commitment to honor and preserve Mickey and Jordan’s legacy. ‘We will get through this difficult time together’, pledged the community, choosing to lean on each other for support and comfort in these challenging times.
In the end, this unfortunate event serves as a poignant confirmation of Mickey and Jordan’s lasting influence on the Allentown community. Their legacy will continue to be celebrated within the streets, murals, and vibrant energy of Allentown. Even as the community grapples with this loss, it also stands as a testament to their enduring influence that lives on in the love and unity they inspired.