Obituary of Christopher K. Dyer

Christopher Kenneth Dyer, a longtime Madison resident, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, March 2, 2024. He was 80.

Chris was born in Esher, England and was raised by his mother, Audrey, in Malvern Wells surrounded by the quintessential English countryside, a place he would continue to enjoy throughout his life.

At the age of thirteen Chris enrolled at RGS Worcester and he credits his education there for giving him the tools to succeed and the confidence to pursue his dream of becoming a scientist. At RGS he was an officer in the Royal Air Force Section of the Combined Cadet Force. He was a skilled marksman winning an award for rifle shooting. He also led a mountaineering team to the Cairngorms in Scotland under the CCF “Arduous Training” program. In 1961 he was selected to attend a tea party for HRH the Queen Mother who visited the school, an anecdote he would tell from time to time over the course of his life.

His RGS Worcester experience had such a positive impact on his life that he was inspired to establish the Christopher and Dorothy Dyer Science and Technology Bursary Fund to support children who have high scholastic promise, high motivation, and who can demonstrate an aptitude for science, engineering, or technology and who will contribute to the life of the school. The legacy bequest will support children who come from a disadvantaged background that could hinder their life chances whether it be from a challenging family situation or where other significant barriers to achievement exist.

Chris continued his education at Sheffield University where he studied Metallurgy and Materials Science. He then obtained a PhD from the Department of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Cambridge University. In 1974, following a University Fellowship at Nottingham University, Chris moved to the United States to pursue his career. He was soon recruited to join the prestigious Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, NJ.

Chris was recognized internationally as a leader in developing both batteries and fuel cells for high-tech applications. His accomplishments at Bell Laboratories, Telcordia, and Motorola included inventing innovative power supplies for satellite systems and portable electronic devices. Through his Editorship of the international Journal of Power Sources, Chris was recognized as an important leader in the battery and fuel cell power industry. As an editor of the Encyclopedia of Electrochemical Power Source, he was instrumental in creating an interdisciplinary reference for professionals and scholars in the field.

Chris was the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Lightening Energy. The company develops leading edge battery and recharging technology for customers including the US Government. As a prolific inventor and mentor, Chris and his team created over 100 intellectual properties including patents. Chris also co-founded the company’s internship program at the Picatinny Innovation Center and with the Princeton Environmental Institute. He mentored and inspired numerous university students and young professionals over the years.

Chris met his beloved wife, Dorothy, in New Jersey and they married on October 22, 1988. They have enjoyed 35 years of married life sharing many adventures. Always eager to explore new countries and cultures, Chris and Dorothy have traveled extensively throughout Europe. America’s National Parks were also a favorite destination. Recently, Chris and Dorothy have enjoyed winters in Sarasota, Florida.

Chris had a great sense of humor, an analytical mind, a natural sense of curiosity and a gentle manner.

Chris was predeceased by his mother, Audrey Dyer, and his brother, Richard. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy (née DePalma); his brother-in-law Jim DePalma and his wife Pat; his niece, Laura DePalma; his cousins, Marty Watson, David Watson, Simon Watson, and Nigel Watson and their families.

Chris and Dorothy are ever so grateful to Bruce Hylton for his compassionate care and kindness over the last several weeks of Chris’ life.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the memorial visitation for Chris on Friday, March 8, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Chris will be celebrated on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Those who are unable to attend in person may attend the Mass virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org and following instructions for live-stream Mass viewing.

Interment will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison.

Charitable contributions in Chris’ name may be made to the private school, college, or university of your choice.