GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Chris Leahy, who passed away on August 25, 2025.
With heavy hearts, we remember and honor the life of Chris Leahy, who left us on August 25, 2025, at the age of 67, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Chris was a beloved husband, father, brother, friend, and industry partner whose legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Born on October 12, 1957, in Manhasset, NY, Chris was the son of the late Charles and Justine Leahy. Raised in Wantagh, NY, he spent his youth exploring the outdoors as a passionate Boy Scout, developing a lifelong love for adventure and nature. His joyful spirit and mischievous sense of humor brought laughter and warmth to everyone around him, especially his friends, many of whom remained close throughout his life.
A proud graduate of Wantagh High School (1975) and Nassau Community College, Chris’s career began in sales for local New York distributors before joining Airweld in 1985. His dedication and natural talent propelled him from a sales role in Queens to becoming a partner, Vice President, and ultimately President in 2001. Under his leadership, Airweld experienced remarkable growth through sales and strategic acquisitions. His focus on building partnerships, writing new business, and maintaining high standards established a legacy of integrity and success that continues to influence the company’s practices today. Recognized industry-wide for his professionalism and passion, Chris’s impact on Airweld and its people is enduring. After 30 years of dedicated service, he retired in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, commitment, and leadership.
Outside of his professional life, Chris’s true passions revolved around his favorite “toys”—anything with gears or a motor. Whether it was fishing, boating, tractors, RVs, shooting, or his beloved Corvettes, his enthusiasm was contagious. Most weekends, he cherished spending quality time at home, surrounded by his wife, children, and dogs.
Chris’s greatest joy was his family. He was devoted to his wife of 38 years and lifelong partner of 48 years, Eileen. He was a loving father to Christopher (Nora), Colleen (Hector), and Catherine (Ryan), and a cherished brother to Charlie, Lorraine, and Nancy.
Chris’s spirit, kindness, and zest for life will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.
