Thomas Francis Quink

Tom was born in Ware, Massachusetts on August 7, 1936 to Francis and Victoria (Pietryka) Quink. He attended Palmer schools and then American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts. Upon obtaining his bachelor degree in Biology, he taught sciences at Hardwick, Massachusetts High School and served as the school’s assistant principal. After several years he returned to college and earned his Master’s degree in Forestry and Wildlife Management from the University of Massachusetts (UMASS). He embarked upon a multi-year career in the forestry field, initially as a forestry specialist with the UMASS Cooperative Extension Service. He held various titles during a 15-year career with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management, including serving as the Chief Forester for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Tom was well respected in the forestry field, and received a Commonwealth of Massachusetts Pride in Performance award in 1988 for his work on amending the Commonwealth’s Forest Cutting Practices Act. He also received an award from the Society of American Foresters (SAF) for distinguished service to the forestry profession. He also held positions with the Northeastern Area Association and served as a Director of the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) Foundation. His professional career included involvement with local and national conservation districts, including serving as a member of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Board of Directors. After leaving the Department of Environmental Management, Tom remained involved with forestry associations including work at the Environmental Institute at UMASS, and was the primary editor from 1991-2003 of Forestry Notes, a month newsletter of the NACD Forestry Committee.

Upon retirement in 1996, Tom and his wife Terry moved to the La Casa Mobile Home Park in North Port full-time in 2001 after several years of “snow birding”. At La Casa, Tom was involved in many volunteer activities including serving as Chairman of the Firewise USA committee and president of the La Casa Bird and Nature Club. Tom truly enjoyed his time at La Casa until forced to move in 2022 when his residence was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian.

Tom was a former parishioner of St. Aloysius Parish in Gilbertville, Massachusetts and was a current parishioner at San Pedro Catholic Church in North Port. He enjoyed spending time with friends and families, polka music and his many volunteer activities at La Casa.

Tom leaves his wife Therese (Terry) Quink, whom he married on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1960. Tom and Terry celebrated 65 years of marriage with a November 2025 dinner at Discovery Commons. Tom is survived by his devoted nephews, Timothy and his wife Laura of Westfield, Massachusetts, David and his wife Laurie of Huntington, Massachusetts, Jeffrey and his wife Wendy of Windham, New Hampshire, and niece Renee Hanifan and her husband Jim of West Springfield, Massachusetts. He was predeceased by both his sister, Mary Ann Slowick, and her husband Dr. James Slowick. Tom leaves special friends Isak Kalodny and Betty and Tony Rich, who provided support to Terry during his illness. The family also wishes to thank the dedicated staff and caregivers at Discovery Commons South Biscayne and Tidwell Hospice who provided excellent care during his stay and final days.

National Cremation Society of Port Charlotte is handling the arrangements.

Thomas's Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM in the chapel at San Pedro Church, 14380 South Tamiami Trail, North Port, FL