Joseph F. Quirk
JOSEPH F. QUIRK, 90 World War II Veteran Who Escaped Through French Resistance Joseph F. Quirk, 90, died on November 21, 2010. Born in Philadelphia, he was a lifelong resident of Collingdale and a graduate of Collingdale High School, Class of 1939; where he was an outstanding scholar and athlete- a four year, four letter varsity athlete who also won numerous state medals for track and field. He was employed by the Boeing Company as a Production Control Supervisor for over 38 years. Serving in the US Army Air Force, Mr. Quirk was shot down and escaped through the Jade-Fitzroy section of the French Resistance during World War II. The information from his escape and the French Resistance was instrumental for strategic landings on Normandy beaches on D-Day. His story was detailed in the documentary "Rose" by British filmmaker William Ennals in 2006. His story has also been featured in newspapers and is documented in both French and British history books as well as the PA Veterans History Project and the US Armed Forces Escape and Evasion Society of which he was a member. Mr. Quirk served on Collingdale Borough Council for many years. He also served on the Collingdale and Southeast Delco School Boards and as a community liaison was instrumental in the establishment of the Delaware County Community College. He was a charter member of the Marshall-McKay VFW Post #5428 in Collingdale and was one of the founders of the Collingdale Swim Club. He was an officer and active in the Collingdale High School Alumni Association. He was a devoted family man who enjoyed spending time with his family, especially summers in Ocean View, NJ. Survivors: His wife of 67 years Sarah White Quirk; his son George (Toni) Quirk of Folcroft; his daughters Linda (Joe) Kelly of Collingdale and Eileen Young of Prospect Park; his ten grandchildren; his thirteen great-grandchildren. Service: Will be on Saturday at 11 AM at the Griffith Funeral Chapel, 520 Chester Pike, in Norwood. Visitation: Will be on Saturday from 9:30 to 11 AM at the funeral home. Burial: Will be with military honors in Arlington Cemetery in Drexel Hill, PA Contributions: May be made to Collingdale High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1426, Collingdale, PA 19023; or to The Alzheimer's Association , P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011, or to Crossroads Hospice, 300 Lakeside Drive, #120, Horsham, Pa. 19044-2356 Condolences: May be sent online to www.griffithfuneralchapel.com


Published in The Daily Times on November 24, 2010