Steve Allen, Jr., a staple at community events as a news photographer in Dorchester since the 1970s, died this week from an illness caused by the coronavirus.

Allen, 63, contracted the COVID-19 disease while he was recuperating from a medical procedure last week, according to his friend and fellow photographer, Bill Brett, who first posted news of Allen’s death on Monday night.

“Sad news: Our friend Steve Allen, editor and photographer of the Neighborhood Photo News and lifelong Dorchester resident, died tonight,” Brett wrote. “Our prayers to his family on this loss at such a tough time. This coronavirus is vicious.”

Mr. Allen was a longtime contributor to the Dorchester Argus-Citizen and the South Boston Tribune. After those weekly newspapers ceased publication, he launched his own newspaper— initially titled the Southie Photo News. It later was named Neighborhood Photo News with content that focused mainly on South Boston and Dorchester.

His daughter — Lisa Brown— said he had a "good heart."

"He loved Dorchester and tried to help a lot of people," said Brown. "We are very sad and shocked that COVID took him so quickly."

She added: "Please encourage your readers to continue social distancing and follow Mayor Walsh’s request to wear masks and help stop the spread."

In a statement on Twitter on Tuesday night, Mayor Walsh said: "Sad to hear of the passing of Steve Allen, a man who loved nothing more than showcasing his community and his neighbors through his photography and in his newspaper. He will be sorely missed in Boston."Allen was active as a member of the Dorchester Day Parade Committee and the Dorchester Board of Trade.

Steve leaves behind his wife Susan of Dorchester, his daughter Lisa Allen Brown and husband Robert of Abington, son John Allen and his wife Diana of Melrose, son Thomas Allen and his wife Sarah Cronin of Providence, RI, daughter Jennifer (Allen) Coughlan and husband Paul of Quincy and daughter Rosemary Allen of Brooklyn, NY.

Beloved son of Anna and Stephen Allen, Sr who predeceased him, Steve is survived by his sisters Jean Sweeney and her partner Greg Kelley of Medford, Marty Allen of Milton and Mary Allen of Florida. Steve loved his grandchildren very much and they will miss their Papa dearly - Abigael, Anna and Marley Brown, Cora and Shea Coughlan, and Johnny Lee Allen.

He is also survived by nephews Dan Tempesta Jr and Michael Sweeney and their families along with many friends.

Due to current circumstances interment will be private with a celebration of life to take place at a later date.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this article reported an incorrect age for Mr. Allen. He was 63.