Obituary of John Stephen Quirke

"I arise today through the strength of heaven... I bind unto myself today the power of God... Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me"

John Stephen Quirke, 93, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife of 67 years, Mary Ann, by his side. He was a man of deep faith in God, devoted to family, and service to country and people in need.

Born on December 22, 1931 in Louisville, Kentucky, to Virginia P. and John Stephen Quirke, John was raised in Brooklyn, New York, alongside his 4 sisters and brother. In a faithful family, he served as an altar boy at St. Savior Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn. In high school, he was a member of the St. Francis High School swim team. After completing his first year at St. Francis College, he was called to serve his country in the United States Air Force in June1951. In March 1953, he was honorably discharged and then finished his degree. Fate then brought him to Mary Ann Clynick and so began their love story. They were married on September 20, 1958 and built a beautiful life and family together.

They first settled in Hackensack, New Jersey, starting their family, before moving to Dumont, New Jersey. John worked as a Marine Claims adjuster for Johnson & Higgins. During this time, he lived his faith teaching CCD, serving as a Knight of Columbus, and as a Catholic War Veteran. A job change to Marsh & McLennan brought the family to Buffalo, New York. Colder in climate, but a favorite time of his life making rich memories with family and friends. He developed a passion for the Buffalo Bills, and Buffalo Sabres, attending games with his family, and loved coaching his sons’ hockey team. John was transferred back to New York City in 1976, the family making their home in Parsippany, New Jersey. After a brief stint in Charlotte, North Carolina working for Royal Insurance, John (with Mary Ann) returned to the New Jersey area. They eventually made their home in Rockaway and, most recently, enjoyed the community and
friendships they found at Cedar Crest, Pompton Plains, NJ.

John was a longtime parishioner of St. Peter the Apostle Church, Parsippany, New Jersey, intermittently for 48 years. He delivered Meals on Wheels to the elderly, always with conversation. Feeling the desire to help others, he devoted time to the Literacy Volunteers of Morris County where he taught migrant workers English. He had a gift for languages and felt joy saying hello to strangers in their native tongues, receiving in return the warmth of a smile. He served as treasurer for the American Legion Post 344 in Rockaway.

Family was the foundation of everything important to John. As a teen, he enjoyed summers at The Quirke House on Shelter Island, New York where he lifeguarded, caddied for golfers and enjoyed the social scene. He treasured this time with his parents, siblings and friends. His joy was magnified in later years when he shared Shelter Island with his own children, grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was grateful that five generations of family have enjoyed this home.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He was a quintessential gentleman so very proud of his Irish heritage. His unwavering faith, strength, and love will live on through his family.

He leaves his beloved wife Mary Ann Quirke; his 4 children: John Quirke (his wife Janice and daughters Alyssa and Theresa Lau), Christine Cheesman (Michael), Brian Quirke (Melanie) and Elizabeth “Betsy” Miller (Charles). John leaves 4 grandchildren who were his greatest joy: Kristen Bowden (Matthew), Caitlyn Miller, Jonathan “Jack” Miller, and Carolina Quirke; also, his sister Elizabeth DeMarco, brother Kevin Quirke (Cathe) and many nieces and nephews, their spouses and children; his brother-in-law John Clynick (Mary Ann) and dear friends. His sisters Virginia Dubatowka, Mary Rose Conklyn and Geraldine Goodleaf passed before him.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 2nd at 11 am at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 179 Baldwin Road, Parsippany. Military honors will be present. A private cremation will follow with interment at Our Lady of the Isle Cemetery, Shelter Island, New York.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made www://ccpaterson.org//veterans (go to the Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) tab) in John’s honor. This Catholic Charities organization works with other nonprofits on a grassroots level and serves as a beacon of hope for those who have bravely served our country.