Christopher Gallahan, a Clifton Springs native who competed in wheelchair bodybuilding and helped others train, died Nov. 5 in Chandler, Arizona. He was 59.
Prayers of committal are scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at Palmyra Village Cemetery on Vienna Street in Palmyra, according to his obituary published by the Times of Wayne County.
Born July 28, 1967, Gallahan was known to friends as “Hop.” Baseball occupied much of his childhood, and he took up wrestling during his final two years of high school.
A car accident when he was 19 left him with T7 paraplegia. His obituary describes how he continued pursuing fitness, sports and outdoor activities afterward.
In 1996, he placed first in his weight class at the NPC Wheelchair Nationals Amateur Contest, the obituary says. Bodybuilding also connected him with friends and people he mentored through training advice and individual exercise plans.
His other interests included swimming, boating, jet skiing and fishing. Deer-hunting outings with his uncle, Jeff Gallahan, were among the experiences his family recalled.
Gallahan also addressed young people during prom season about drinking and driving, drawing on his experiences to encourage safer choices. The obituary does not identify the cause of his crash.
While living in Arizona, he worked in customer service. His family described him as someone who enjoyed helping people, maintained friendships within the bodybuilding community and brought humor to those around him.
His obituary also recalls his affection for his dogs, particularly Misty, and the importance of his faith during health difficulties and lengthy hospital stays.
Survivors include his daughter, Valentina; grandson, Xander; mother, Mary; and stepfather, Charles “Robin” Farran, along with aunts, uncles, cousins and other extended family.
The obituary listed calling hours for Nov. 14 at Robert L. Yost Funeral Home, 123 W. Main St. in Palmyra. Monday’s committal prayers are scheduled at the village cemetery.
Remembering others from the community
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