Christopher Patrick “Kit” Gallagher, Jr., 85, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026 at Chicopee Rehabilitation & Nursing Center (Birch Manor) with his loving family by his side. Born in Rome, New York, he was the oldest of nine children of the late Christopher and Flora (Kief) Gallagher. Chris was raised in the Hungry Hill neighborhood of Springfield, Massachusetts, where he formed many lifelong friendships. A graduate of Cathedral High School, Class of 1958, he was an avid athlete in his youth, especially enjoying basketball, a passion that stayed with him throughout his life.

He went on to earn his teaching degree from Westfield State College and spent many years to at Putnam Vocational High School where he coached basketball, football, and baseball. Later in his career, he continued his commitment to education through the Onward With Learning (OWL) program, helping students achieve their GEDs until his retirement. Even in retirement, Chris’s dedication to teaching never waned, going on to teach at Holy Name School and Sacred Heart School in Springfield.

Chris was a longtime member of the Springfield YMCA, and remained active until his debilitating illness took hold in his later years. In retirement, he embraced a new passion, treasure hunting at tag sales and antique shops. He took great joy in discovering unique finds and selling them at local flea markets, especially during the many summers he spent at the Hadley and Arundel Flea Markets. He loved traveling the back roads of New England, spending his days moving from tag sale to flea market before ending at the racetrack. He enjoyed horse racing, holding a special fondness for the former Scarborough Downs in Maine.

One of his greatest joys, however, was the many years he spent in Maine, especially Old Orchard Beach and Bar Harbor. Growing up, his parents’ summer home in Bar Harbor held many special memories and as a teacher, he was able to spend summers raising his children at the family cottage on Cedar Ave in OOB, where he loved welcoming family and friends to stay and hosting the annual “Brother’s Weekend” each year.

He leaves his children, Christopher Gallagher, III and his wife Nydia of Chicopee, MA, Shannon Gallagher and her husband Jason Tittle of Saco, ME and Seamus Kief Gallagher of Springfield; his beloved grandchildren, who will miss their Poppy, Tara Silber and her partner Mike Switzer of Lyman Maine, Evan Silber and his partner Eva Melnik of Encino, CA and Rachel Gallagher of West Baldwin, ME and his great-granddaughter, Sophie Dorothea Switzer. He also leaves his siblings: Sue Skibinski (Robert) of Chicopee, MA, Donnie (Karen) Gallagher of Amherst, MA, Ronnie Gallagher (Laurie) of Sturbridge, MA, Tim Gallagher (Jane) of Longmeadow, MA, Marty Gallagher of Jacksonville, FL, MaryLou Pieczarka of Westfield, MA, and Nancy Bates (Ralph) of Jacksonville, FL, along with numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, his devoted wife Patricia (Kizcek) Gallagher, and his brother Thomas Gallagher. Chris' family would like to thank the dedicated nursing home staff at Chicopee Rehab for the care they provided over the last 3 years and to New England Hospice for the compassionate care given in his last days.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, May 17. 2026 at Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services, 15 Ludlow Ave., Indian Orchard with Calling hours from 12:00-2:00 p.m. followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m.

In keeping with Chris’ casual vibe, come in casual attire or Hawaiian shirts. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice. 

To view funeral services live CLICK HERE or link below.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Christopher P. Gallagher, Jr., please visit our Tree Store.