Obituary of John S. Quirk

John S. Quirk, 89, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed peacefully on July 23, 2021. John was born in Jersey City, NJ, to Lawrence and Margaret Quirk (nee Toomey). He was the youngest of 5 children and was predeceased in death by his brothers, Lawrence, Thomas, Edward and his sister, Margaret McGinley. John served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict, stationed at Port Lyautey, in the former French Morocco. Upon his return from the Navy, he met and married his wife of 66 years Virginia and settled in East Keansburg, NJ before moving to Staten Island in 1959. John worked for the NYC Department of Sanitation for 22 years, retiring as a supervisor in 1990. He enjoyed his retirement years spending time with his children and grandchildren at his country home in Andes, New York, and the winter months in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida. John was proud of his Irish heritage, his mother hailing from Tarbert and his Father from Listowel, both in County Kerry, Ireland. During his leaves, while serving in the U.S. Navy, he visited his parent's hometowns, meeting his aunts, uncles and cousins for the first time. These visits started his and his children's life-long connection with their Irish relatives. In addition to his loving wife, Virginia, John is survived by his eight children and their spouses, Noreen Tortora (the late Bernard), Virginia Reid (Edwin), Mary Tierney (Tom), John (Patricia), Michael (Marie), Stephen (Marguerite), Timothy (Patty), James (Antoinette). He is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, as well as his sister-in-law, Irene Quirk and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, John's family would appreciate donations be made to The Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Wednesday, departing at 11:00 am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family R.C. Church at 11:30 am. Interment will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery. Family and friends may visit on Tuesday from 2:00 to 8:00 pm.