Patrick D. Quirke Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Patrick D. Quirke, 70, of Pawtucket, RI, passed away peacefully at home on May 21,2022, after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late Dr. Patrick J. and the late Helen Regina (McLaughlin) Quirke. Patrick was a true Renaissance man. A talented artist, he attended the Art Institute of Boston after his graduation in 1969 from high school in Georgetown, MA. Active in the social justice movement and fascinated by politics, he studied history at Salem State College. He financed his education working at Danvers State Hospital, where he embraced a commitment to the care of persons with serious mental illness that became his mission and his profession. He earned an MEd at Boston University and obtained his license as a social worker. Patrick’s 35-year career was devoted to public sector mental health, from hands-on inpatient work to crisis evaluation and innovation of a community-based Emergency Placement Intervention Center, where he served as Program Director. In 2003, Patrick was honored with a Recognition Award from the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. In a ceremony at the State House, he received the Ruth Teferteller Award for excellence in psychiatric treatment. Patrick’s life was as broad as it was deep. He indulged his love affair with art at home and across the world as he traveled in the company of dear friends to museums and sites of cultural and natural significance in Europe, Africa, South and Central America and Canada. His daily routine included forays into his extensive collection of the classical music and opera he loved. He treasured attendance at the Boston Symphony and Lyric Opera with friends and family, one special VIP seating with his step-aunt at the Met in NYC, and opera outings with his brother and niece in Florida. Trips to Tanglewood were annual pilgrimages where he often celebrated his summer birthday. A zealous political buff, he was an enthusiastic debater and could be an annihilating opponent as he unpacked his portfolio of comprehensive data. Usually the smartest person in any room on the topic of Western Civilization, he could enumerate all of the royal dynasties, discuss labyrinthine intersections of world history, and dazzle with his wicked humor, seasoned by ancient gossip and surprising trivia. A voracious reader, Patrick devoured several books a week, and in retirement he re-read more than a thousand books he had collected over the years. Connection to family was foundational for Patrick. He nurtured relationships with family, step- family and what he termed his “acquired family” of close longtime friends. All will remember Patrick‘s devotion: visits to Texas, ritual birthday dinners, household moves, political campaigns, holidays and all of the celebrations. He will be deeply missed. Patrick was predeceased by his sister Kathleen Quirke, his brother Brendan Quirke, his stepbrother Daniel Carbone and his stepmother Mary Lou Holland. He is survived by his siblings: Michael Quirke (Georgene), Mary Ellen Bonnell (Samuel), Kevin Quirke, Sr. (Donna), Louis Carbone (Carol), Gerald Carbone (Mary), and Jean Carbone. He is survived by his nieces and nephews: Gwendolyn Zappala (Steve), Sean P. Bonnell, Jennifer Clavell (Jose), Kevin Quirke, Jr., Colleen Lewis (Mike), and Michael Adams Quirke. He is survived by his great-nieces and nephews: Jessica and Vanessa Clavell, Skye Collins, Brendan S. Quirke, Evangeline Zappala, and Webb, Molly and Will Lewis. He is survived by many beloved friends; and by lifelong friends and family of the heart, John Handren and Meredith Hanrahan-Boshes (Roger). A courtyard gardener throughout his life, Patrick became an amateur enthusiast in retirement. This interest merged with his exploration of family genealogy to create a special affinity for his cousin Bernard (Bernie) McLaughlin’s Garden and Homestead in Maine. It is a celebrated gem considered to be one of the best private gardens in Maine, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Director is excited to accept memorial donations and create a special way to acknowledge Patrick at the Garden. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation at: https://www.mclaughlingarden.org/shop/ On the Shop page, click on “Annual Donation”, list amount, and “Add to Cart”. At checkout, in the field labeled “Additional Information/Order Notes,” write: In memory of Patrick Daniel (Patty Dan) Quirke” Or Send a check (write the same memorial information on the memo line of your check) to McLaughlin Garden & Homestead PO Box 492 South Paris, Maine 04281 At his request, Patrick was cremated and will be laid to rest with his family at Harmony Cemetery, 66 Central Street, Georgetown, MA. A graveside ceremony will be held there on Sunday July 24, 2022 at 11:00 AM. All are invited to share his memory and celebrate.

Patrick D. Quirke

May 21, 2022