Russell Irving Quick

Mr. Russell Irving Quick, age 90, of Sanford, NC, transitioned to eternal rest on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at his residence.

Obituary

Russell Irving Quick, 90, of Sanford, NC, formerly of Durham, Connecticut, passed away at his home in the early morning hours on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025.

Born in Springfield, Massachusetts on June 30, 1935, he was the son of the late Donald L. Quick and Alice B. Quick Steiger. He was a U.S. Army (Airborne) veteran and graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1960. An avid and accomplished athlete throughout his life, beginning at Guilford High School where he excelled in all sports, he savored competition and enjoyed the camaraderie of all sports. He was a well-known hockey coach with the Middlesex "Red Devils" and coached Youth Baseball for many years in Durham, Connecticut.

Russ retired as a Sales Manager from Southern New England Telephone Co. in 1991 but actively continued his business career with his wife, Joan, in their Real Estate business and as a consultant to the Yellow Pages industry until the time of his passing.

He was predeceased in 2023 by his beloved wife Joan. He leaves daughters Alice Q. (Beth) Armitage (Jim), Kimberly D. Garvis (Frank), sons Donald L, Quick II (Jeanne) all of Connecticut, and David B. Quick (Maria) of Sanford, NC. Russ is also survived by six grandchildren; William Armitage, Frank Garvis, Catherine (Garvis) Breault, Russell I. Quick II, Christopher Quick and Matthew Quick; great-grandchildren Logan Quick, Mason Quick, Taylor Quick, Bodhi Garvis, Tucker Garvis, Danielle Breault and Nathan Breault; and a younger brother, Arthur Quick of Guilford, CT.

Joan and Russ lived an active life after moving south in 2003 to the Carolina Trace community serving in many ways with the Carolina Trace Association and the Sedgemoor Property Owners Association, later moving to "the farm" in Sanford.

Dad wasn't just competitive in sports; he was competitive in every aspect of his life. From time-to-time we would bet each other a dollar on who the next President would be, who would win the Superbowl, other little things and danged if he didn't win almost every time (he hated to lose). I found two of the dollars he won from me while searching for his DD214. Dad was a tough taskmaster and he expected nothing more from others than he did himself: be honest, work hard, do the very best you can in any endeavor no matter how small, in business answer the phone on the first ring (yes this was a thing!), enjoy life and mind your manners.

The family expresses appreciation to all who showed Dad kindness and care these past couple of months: especially Tony Forgione, Jim and Jackie Green, the wonderful nurses and CNAs from Liberty Home Care & Hospice and especially hospice nurse Michelle Percival, RN, who "saved the day" on the day of Dad's passing when expected plans fell through (may this never happen to any of you reading this). We can't say enough about Knotts Funeral Home in Sanford. With very little notice, two gentlemen came quickly and prepared Dad for the next step even laying a flag over his body and playing taps. This was an unexpected surprise and touched our hearts. Lisa walked us through the next steps and was so very kind and professional.

Per Dad's wishes there will be no memorial service. His ashes and Mom's will be mixed together and cast upon the shores of Guilford, CT, at some future date, near the "Fisherman's shack" where they began their life together.

In lieu of flowers and in Dad's words "please pay it forward and be kind to one another." Donations may be made to Priority Farms LLC, 1042 Buckhorn Road, Sanford, NC 27330. To view their worthy work go to priorityfarmllc.com.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford, NC