Christopher E. Quirk, 46, of Newtown died December 20 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 28, 1969 in White Plains, NY, to Thomas F. Quirk, Sr. of Chappaqua, NY and Dantia (Broggi) Gould of Bradenton, FL.

Chris attended public schools in Westchester, NY, and always spoke so fondly of the Scarsdale Alternative High School. Chris was a lifelong avid lover of the Giants and Mets. He would joke often about his childhood being tough – Giants and Mets – lean years for both teams.

After high school, Chris worked while attending Fordham University where he graduated with a BA in Psychology. He did all this while raising his two children, Colin and Courtney, with his former wife, Heather McGhie. Chris then attended Pace University where he earned an MA in school psychology. While attending Pace, Chris met the love of his life, his wife Susan. They were married for 12 years and had a son, Henri, on whom they both doted.

Chris’s professional career began in public education, specifically special education. He loved working with children and families, and helping kids learn. He had a gift like no other. He was a reference book of knowledge regarding best practices for children. Chris ended his career in the private sector, as he wanted to spend more time on direct service with children and families and less time with administrators and court officers. He even established Future Promise Foundation with his wife Susan, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering transformative change in the lives of each individual it serves. As one of Chris’s former students described him, “He was a spiritual gangster.” He believed all students could do and be whatever they wanted – no matter what. “As educators, we need to find the best way each student can learn: one size fits one,” Chris said.

Chris is survived by his wife Susan Belanger, their son Henri Quirk of Newtown, in addition, a son Colin Quirk of Amherst, MA, and a daughter Courtney Quirk of Danbury, his parents Thomas F. Quirk, Sr. and Dantia Gould, brother Thomas Quirk Jr. and his wife Kathryn Quirk and their sons Ryan, Charlie, and Tegan of Newton, MA, brother Tim Quirk and his wife Donna Peterson and their daughter Abby Quirk of Oakland, CA, his brother-in-law Jeff Belanger and his wife Megan and daughter Sophie of Bellingham, MA, and his wife’s parents with whom he shared a close relationship Edward and Nancy Belanger of Sandy Hook.

Susan and Chris would like to thank Cancer Support/CT Hospice for the loving care and support received throughout Chris’s illness as well as the staff at Ann’s Place of Danbury, CT, for their continuous work for the entire family. A special thanks also goes to the staff at Middle Gate Elementary School for their sensitivity, love, support, and ongoing care of their son Henri.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, December 29 at 1:00 pm at Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St. (at the flagpole) Newtown. Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main St., Newtown is serving the family. To offer online condolences, visit www.honanfh.com.

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