Thomas M. Quirk

WINCHENDON – Thomas M. Quirk, 85, of 369 Maple Street, died peacefully Monday afternoon, March 15, 2021 in Heywood Hospital, Gardner, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Winchendon on November 14, 1935, son of the late Thomas M. and Marguerite (Bushell) Quirk, each of whom were direct descendants of County Kerry Ireland.  Tom was a 1953 graduate of Murdock High School, where he excelled as a member of the baseball team and secured a tryout with the Major League Chicago Cubs.  Following high school, Tom proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army.

Tom worked for 20 years as a shipper at Winchendon Furniture and then worked at the former Walter E. Fernald School in direct care until his retirement.  He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Eugene M. Connor Post 193 American Legion and the 25th Infantry Association.  His hobbies were reading, watching sports, surfing online and connecting with family and friends.  He was known as a military and history buff.  He was a lifelong baseball fan of the former Boston/Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves and he followed the career and legacy of Henry Aaron.  He had a quick wit, lover of all things Irish, had a passion or music and made friends with anyone he met.

His wife of 50 years, Margaret M. “Peggy” Quirk, died in 2020.  He leaves two sons, Wayne Patria of Winchendon and Earl “Pat” Patria of Winchendon; four grandchildren, Derek Patria and his love Sue Ritson of Lowell, Brian Patria and his wife Angel of Athol, Jennifer Wilson and her husband Tim of Ashland, MA and Melissa Patria Weaver and her husband Jeff of Concord, NH; eleven great grandchildren, Natashia, Drew, Amanda, Kailyn, Jacob, Allison, Jack, Zachary, Curtis, Xander and Gage; two nephews, Ken Smith and Jim Smith; one great niece Jen Smith and three great nephews, Benjamin Smith, Brandon Smith and Zachary Valiere Smith.  He also leaves cousins and seven godchildren, Tanya, Anne, Steve, Vickie, Todd, Sue and Jim.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, March 22, 2021 at 10 A.M. in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon.  Calling hours will be held Monday from 8:30 to 9:30 A.M. in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, preceding the mass.

Masks and social distancing are required.  The funeral will be live streamed and may be viewed on the funeral home Facebook page.

Burial will be in Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon.

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