Terrence Michael Quirin

Terrence (Terry) Michael Quirin, of Villanova, PA, passed away on October 15, 2026, surrounded by his family following a brief illness.

Terry, 82, lived life to the fullest until just 12 days before his passing. Most mornings he drove to Havertown to help with his grandchildren’s school drop-off, followed by a walk on the Radnor Trail with Pip, his faithful corgi. His afternoons were spent assisting his wife with her business, then driving back to either Havertown or Malvern to help with his grandchildren’s school pickup. He would cap off the evening by finding a new recipe online, cooking dinner for his family, then falling asleep in his recliner with Pip on his lap. Though his loss is deeply felt, his family is grateful he lived with vigor to the very end.

Terry will be best remembered for his deep love of his family, including his wife of 53 years, Constance (Connie) Romer-Quirin; his three children, Ethan, Courtney (Tim Varga), and Meredith (Greg Waldron); and his five grandchildren: Ayla and Elliott Quirin and Thomas, Penelope, and Graham Waldron.

Born in Altoona, PA, Terry was the son of Gertrude Long (née Fields) and the stepson of William (Bill) Long. The youngest of eight, he was dedicated to his seven brothers and sisters. He was also a loving uncle and great-uncle to many cherished nieces and nephews, and a devoted brother-in-law. His family will always treasure more than 30 years of holidays with the Smith and Avruch families.

Terry distinguished himself early in life as a scholar. He was the first of his family to attend college, receiving a BA in Political Science from Saint Francis University (Class of 1966), and a JD from Villanova University School of Law (Class of 1970). Terry met his wife, Connie, while attending law school, and the couple wed on June 23, 1973, beginning a partnership rooted in faith and service.

Terry loved having fun and could spend hours on the dance floor, especially dancing the polka. He also loved traditional Irish music, Joan Baez, and the great ballad singers of the 1960s.

A lifelong animal lover, Terry spoiled his dogs rotten. Pip will miss their long walks and endless time together. As a father, he could never say no to his kids when they asked for a pet. Jokingly, his one stipulation would be that it be named “The Unspeakable Spode,” a reflection of his silly sense of humor and a nod to one of his favorite humorists, P.G. Wodehouse.

Terry was always generous with his time, attending his children’s and grandchildren’s countless games and performances, even traveling across the country for recitals, cross-country meets, and other milestones when his children were in college.

He also took his contributions to the community seriously and was especially committed to people who were unhoused in the Greater Philadelphia area. Early in their marriage, he and Connie helped found a men’s winter shelter at Trinity Memorial Church in Philadelphia. For more than 30 years, they prepared and served nourishing meals there every other Saturday night. He was also a regular volunteer with Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network, now known as Family Promise of Philadelphia, staying overnight with families at St. Thomas of Villanova, Terry and Connie’s parish since 1986.

Terry loved to travel, and he and Connie visited Europe twice early in their marriage. Later in life, he spent a week road-tripping with Courtney in Ireland, including a visit to County Cork, the family seat of his great-grandmother. He and Connie also traveled to New Zealand, and it was there that he famously tore his rotator cuff while climbing a glacier.

Terry began his career with Ralph Nader, co-authoring One Life—One Physician: An Inquiry into the Medical Profession's Performance in Self-Regulation, which directly influenced debates and decisions at the federal level to combat Medicare fraud and assess quality assurance in healthcare.

He then served as the first law clerk for Judge Edward R. Becker, who went on to become Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He remained part of his judicial family throughout Judge Becker’s career. Terry then joined the legal department of The Penn Central Corporation, supporting the reorganization and serving as the first assistant to Chairman Robert Blanchette. During that time, he sat on the Grace Commission established by President Reagan. Terry finished out his career in private practice.

Terry will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 14, at 11:30 a.m. at the Rosemont Chapel of St. Thomas of Villanova, with a reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Terry’s memory to the Bethesda Project’s Our Brothers' Place, which provides emergency shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia, or Street Tails Animal Rescue, a Philly-based nonprofit giving overlooked dogs a second chance.