Retired Mesa police Chief Joe Quigley, 74, passed away Monday morning after a long illness.
According to retired Cmdr. Lin Adams, Quigley was hired on Nov. 16, 1958 and retired on May 1, 1982. He was promoted to police Chief on May 1, 1978.
Quigley was born in Ogden, Utah on Sept. 19, 1933, then moved to a farm in Oregon. At age 17, Quigley joined the Navy and afterwards graduated from Brigham Young University where he earned a degree in Physical Education.
During his time as Chief, Quigley promoted the first female Sergeant and had a true vision in policing, said Bill Richardson, a Tribune columnist.
Quigley’s daughter, Karen Moore, said her father “loved being a police officer.”
“He would drive the perimeter of the city every night,” Moore said. “He took his job very very seriously and with a great deal of honor and respect for the citizens of Mesa.”
Quigley was instrumental in getting a new police building for the department and in pioneering the first DARE program.
“He felt kids needed to see policemen in a positive light as their friends,” Moore said.
Quigley also spent 29 years teaching classes, such as Police Science and Administration of Justice, at Mesa Community College.
He is survived by his loving and caring wife Elaine; three children; eight grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild and two more great-grandchildren who are on the way.
“He was very proud of the fact that he was able to help the city,” Elaine Quigley said.
A visitation will be held 6 to 8 p.m. on July 10 at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way in Mesa.
To the Quigley family;
My father always talked fondly of Joe, he was a friend when my father struggled after his accident, sharing emails and visiting, you have no idea how much this meant to him and to our family. He did not forget my father after he retired medically from his accident. I am very sorry to hear about his passing but I am confident he left a legacy with several people, I know he did with me.
Kevin Kotsur
Avondale Police Department
Dear Elaine and Family
My name is Sandra Shaffer. My father Duffy Nielsen was a friend to Joe and I am sure he would join me in sending his love and respect to all of your family, we are deeply sorry for your loss. I believe Duffy and Joe joined the Mesa Police Dept. around the same time and experienced many great memories.
Joe I am sure will live on through his great children. Elaine we send our respects.
Sandra (Nielsen) Shaffer
Hurricane, Utah
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Elaine, and all of your family. Joe made his mark on Mesa, for sure, and upon his descendants, too.
Much love,
Your cousin, Melvyn Johnson, and Sharon. Phoenix, AZ
602-258-1727
Dear Elaine and family,
Sorry to hear about Joe, and yet we know how long he has been sick and what a trial for you Elaine. Now he is at peace and free to move about again. I was wondering who the third one would be as they say deaths usually come in threes. First Aunt Ruth, then Grant Haymore and know Joe. We will be home a week from today from Indonesia and our mission. What an experience this has been! If people only knew how safe and wonderful the people are in Indonesia, it would not be such a hidden secret to the world. It is too bad that so few give such a bad name to such beautiful people. The church is really starting to grow here and we had the opportunity to go to Jakarta and help introduce the Family Home Evening program to the country of Indonesia. It is hard to believe a year and one half has gone by so quickly, so it won’t be too long before you will get to be with Joe again. Look how long our parents had to wait for each other, but we are getting up in age now ourselves. Thanks for all the wonderful memories we have of your family. I still remember when you brought that tall, good looking man home from BYU. May God’s blessings be with you. Maybe we can go see Aunt Millie together after we get home. We don’t want to wait too long I hear. Love you. Donna and Roy Bennett and family and Gary and Larry Bulechek
Dear Elaine,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful family. We are sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that we love you very much.
Love,
Roy and Donna Bennett Prescott, Arizona (serving in Indonesia on a mission will be home Sunday July 20th)
Our deepest sympathy and hope all are doing well.
The Bulechek’s
So sorry to hear of your loss, although I didn’t really know him, I have fond memories of you. My thoughts and prayer are with you and your family.
Love to you,
Your cousin, Sherry
St. George, UT
What a tribute to your husband and father of your children. You chose well. My you find peace and comfort in knowing that he lives again and preparing your home above for the day when you will join him. Remember all the good times and hold them close. Tell a funny story evey day to a member of your family and you will continue to learn from him. We wish you comfort and understanding at this time and most of all remember that love never dies in the eternities.
Love, love, love
Gary and Sherrie Bulechek