Thomas J. Quirk, of Guilford and Placitas, New Mexico, was born in Natick, Massachusetts, April 30, 1930, and passed away on May 7 in hospice in Albuquerque.

He served as an officer with the Marines in Korea and was grateful for the caring services of the VA during his struggle of many years with Parkinson’s disease. Tom was a graduate of Boston College and BC School of Social Work, later serving in agencies in Worcester, Massachusetts. He also served as director of New Britain Catholic Family Services for 27 years, where he expanded a small adoption agency to provide innovative programs and advocacy for underserved populations and training for social work interns. During his 25 years in New Mexico, he was active in many community organizations, and was an avid golfer, camper, and hiker loved for his smile and Boston accent. He and his wife Aileen marveled at their good fortune in spending their life between the desert and mountains, and the beaches of Guilford and Cape Cod, surrounded by family, friends, and beauty.

A loving husband, father, and loyal friend, Tom leaves his wife Aileen Garriott; children Annemarie Alexa and husband John of Old Saybrook, Kevin of Milford, Brian of South Korea, and Kathleen Meagher of Manchester; and stepchildren Geoffrey Fix and wife Jackie of Guilford, Jeanette Lauer of Granite City, Illinois, and Erich Fix and partner Margaret of Troy, Illinois. He leaves 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. His special dog Vinny misses him.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held this summer in Guilford. Remembrance gifts to the Placitas Community Library or the Visiting Nurse Association of Guilford in Tom’s name will be appreciated.