Jack Hoffman Quaritius

Jack Hoffmann Quaritius, 94, died peacefully at home on July 11th. He was born on Long Island, NY to Henry Christian Quaritius and Anna Hoffmann Quaritius. He is survived by his beloved wife of 17 years, Patricia McKenna Quaritius, son Peter David Quaritius, daughter Karen Ann Quaritius, and daughter-in-law Leslie Kimball Quaritius. He was the loving grandfather of Paige Ann Quaritius, Jeffrey Hoffmann Quaritius Jr., Jack Kimball Quaritius (Alexa), Delaney Frances Hartshorn, and Cameron Matthew Hartshorn, and a loving uncle to his dear nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife of over 50 years, Frances Kidder Quaritius, son Jeffrey Hoffmann Quaritius, brother Henry Christian Quaritius, and sister Betty Ann Quaritius Munroe.

Jack attended Duke University where he was a proud SAE Fraternity member and president of his chapter. College was interrupted when he served in the Army Air Corps for 3 years during WWII. He graduated from Duke in 1948 as a member of Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in Economics and Business Administration.

After working in management at Anvil Brand Inc., he began a long career at Peninsular Life Insurance Co., becoming president and CEO in 1974. After the expansion of company holdings and mergers, Peninsular became part of McM Corp. and Jack directed several of its subsidiary companies. He retired as vice chairman of the board of directors in 1983. Jack was later asked to return to McM in 1985. He retired in 1988 as Chairman of the Board and CEO.

Between these terms with McM Corp. Jack served as Dean of the College of Business Administration at Jacksonville University. He also served as a trustee at J.U. for 18 years.

His civic activities were extensive. He served as president of the United Way of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Trustees for Jacksonville University, Timuquana Country Club, the downtown Rotary Club, where he was a member for over 50 years, and for the Board of Trustees of Bartram (now part of The Bolles School). He served as a member of board for The Duke Fuqua School of Business, Boys Club of America, Children’s Home Society, Gator Bowl Assoc., Peninsular Pension Trust, and Penney Retirement Community. He was a long time member of the Jacksonville’s Commodore League and was a Flag Commodore. He also served on the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army,

Jack was a devoted member of Grace Episcopal Church in Orange Park for over 55 years where he served as a vestry member for years and served four 3 year terms as Senior Warden. He was a member of the Budget Committee for the Episcopal Diocese of Florida and served on the Bishop’s Committee for Episcopal School of Jacksonville.

Above all, Jack was a wonderful, generous and loving husband, father, and grandfather (Pappy!). He truly loved and treasured his many friends. Even after the debilitating effects of a stroke, his face lit up at the sight of any one of them.

His outgoing and gregarious personality always had everyone around him smiling and laughing. He was a passionate lover of life and enjoyed boating, golfing (and his golfing buddies), traveling, celebrating holidays, singing, and dancing. He loved the St. Johns River and living on it! He certainly fulfilled his father’s lesson to leave the world a better place than he found it!

The memorial service celebrating Jack’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Jacksonville at 11AM on Saturday, July 29th.

Arrangements under the direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, Jacksonville, FL.