Patrick D. Quirke

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.