Christopher Jay Gallagher, retired owner of Applied Water Solutions, passed away unexpectedly on September 2, 2025, at the age of 63.

Chris was born in Boston, the son of Donald and Marcia Gallagher, and grew up in Arlington. He graduated from Arlington High School, earned his degree from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and went on to receive his master’s from Bentley University.

He found his niche in providing pure water solutions for industry, developing a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical, power, and semiconductor fields. Specializing in advanced technologies such as electrode ionization, membrane separation, reverse osmosis, gas transfer membranes, ion exchange, ultrafiltration, and ultraviolet systems, Chris established Applied Water Solutions, which he successfully operated for 22 years.

Through his work, he designed, managed, and consulted on projects for medical laboratories, desalination plants in the Middle East, Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant, and facilities across the United States, as well as in Korea, China, and Kazakhstan. He was highly respected in his industry and held several patents for filters he designed and developed.

Outside of work, Chris was an avid racquetball player, often competing in tournaments. He loved riding his Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail, especially with friends, and made an annual trip to Nova Scotia that he always anticipated with excitement. One of his most cherished memories was taking his sons on a trip to Hawaii.

Chris was knowledgeable in many fields and enjoyed engaging in lively discussions on nearly any topic. He was outgoing, gregarious, funny, and loved life.

Chris was the father of Thomas Gallagher of Burlington and Seamus Gallagher of Burlington.  He was the brother of Marcia Gallagher of Ormond Beach, FL, Meredithe Gera & her husband Stephen of Kihei, HI, the late Jennifer Gallagher, Gregory Gallagher, and Keith Gallagher.  He was the uncle of Dylan, Madison, and Aiden Gera. He also leaves behind extended family members and friends, including his loyal "service dog", Ella.

Visiting hours will be Monday, September 22 from 10am to 11:30am at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 noon at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parrish, 111 Winn St, Burlington MA. Services will conclude with a burial at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Arlington. Memorials in Christopher’s name may be made to the MSPCA, 350 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130.