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

He attended public schools in Westchester, N.Y., and always spoke fondly of the Scarsdale Alternative High School. Mr Quirk was a lifelong avid fan 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, Mr Quirk attended 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. He met his second wife, Susan, the love of his life, while attending Pace. They were married for 12 years and had a son, Henri, on whom they both doted.

Mr Quirk’s professional career began in public education, specifically special education. He loved working with children and families, and helping kids learn, and is remembered as having a gift like no other. He was a reference book of knowledge regarding best practices for children.

He 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 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 his 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,” Mr Quirk said.

In addition to his parents, his wife Susan Belanger and their son Henri Quirk of Newtown; son Colin Quirk of Amherst, Mass., and daughter Courtney Quirk of Danbury; brothers Thomas Quirk, Jr, and his wife Kathryn, of Newton, Mass., and Tim Quirk, and his wife Donna Peterson, of Oakland, Calif.; his brother-in-law Jeff Belanger, and his wife Megan, of Bellingham, Mass., his wife’s parents, Nancy and Edward Belanger of Sandy Hook, with whom he shared a close relationship; and five nephews and nieces survive Mr Quirk.

The family would like to thank Cancer Support/Connecticut Hospice for the loving care and support received throughout Mr Quirk’s illness, as well as the staff at Ann’s Place of Danbury, 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 take place Tuesday, December 29, at 1 pm, at the Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main Street (at the flagpole).

Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown is serving the family.

To offer online condolences, visit www.honanfh.com.