Obituary of Patrick Quilter

CHESHIRE – Patrick Quilter Sr., 77, passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Elaine (Dumont) Quilter. Patrick was born February 23, 1937, in Waterbury, the son of the late Patrick J. and Mary (McCarthy) Quilter. He was a longtime Cheshire resident where he was an educator for the Cheshire School System for over 30 years. Socrates once said that an unexamined life is not worth living. Undoubtedly correct, but we can also profit by examining the lives of others whom we admire. Not only did Patrick examine his life, but was actively engaged in it, in arenas that included the social, the cerebral, and everything in between. A successful teacher, father, husband, and friend, his zest for life made his difficult passing all the sadder. We will always remember his smile, his fondness for humor both broad and nuanced, his delight in discourse of any stripe, and his strikingly broad range of interests. He was a modern day philosopher, willing to converse on any topic that interested you – his favorites, Jack Dempsey, the Yankees, and Notre Dame Football. He loved to laugh and to make people laugh. He took a genuine interest in everyone he met. Always quick with a compliment or other kind word, he was a family man in the truest sense, an athlete, a thinker, a writer, and a gentleman. He will be missed. As is its daily inescapable lot, the world has lost yet another good man. Besides his wife of 40 years, Patrick is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Patrick Jr. and Annastasia Quilter of Myrtle Beach, SC; his grandchildren, Katalina and Patrick (Joey) Quilter V.; many loving cousins, aunts, nieces, nephews and friends. Arrangements – A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at 10 a.m. at St. Bridget Church, 175 Main St., Cheshire. Friends are asked to meet directly at church. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St. Memorial contributions may be made to The ALS Association, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 6051, Albert Lea, MN 56007.