Philip Tack

WORTHINGTON, Armstrong County — After 37 years of helping to build Quality Life Services, Philip Tack has retired as executive director.

The business was founded by his late father, Kenneth Tack Sr., in 1973.

Philip Tack in 1974 began working with his father at Sugar Creek Rest, the company’s flagship home built on the family’s farm.

Since then, the family business has grown to become Quality Life Services, overseeing eight nursing homes including Chicora Medical Center, Fairwinds Manor in Sarver, two facilities in Mercer County, two in Fayette County and one in Westmoreland County.

The business, which became Quality Life Services in the early 2000s, now employs more than 1,000 people and can provide long-term care for nearly as many residents.

“We can make homes for as many as 762 residents in our nursing homes. We also offer 323 personal care beds,” said Mary Susan Tack, Philip’s daughter and the company’s chief quality officer.

In a news release, Philip Tack said, “I am most proud of the care we have provided and the close relationships I have had with so many fine people in our community.

“I will miss the residents, their families and our great staff and wish all the best.”

Tack will remain as Quality Life Services’ chairman of the board of directors.

His son, Matt Tack, a nursing home administrator for the company, now is the executive director, overseeing both Sugar Creek Rest and Chicora Medical Center.

“I have learned much from him and especially admire his hard work ethic,” said his son. “We will continue to call upon his experiences to base our decisions for the future.”

Mary Susan Tack said her father taught her and her brother how to balance a healthy family life with a career.

“We are so thankful to him for paving the way and affording our family many opportunities to serve the community and pursue our life’s passion,” she said.

The third generation of Tacks takes over the business, which was operated by Philip Tack and his brother, Kenneth Jr. It is now being run by their children: Matthew and Mary Susan, as well as Susie Beardsley and Steven Tack.

“Our goal is to continue the family commitment and the family relations that our fathers and grandfather put in practice almost 40 years ago,” Mary Susan Tack said.

Philip Tack now looks forward to spending time with his 10 grandchildren, working on his self-built airplane, taking flying lessons and tackling woodworking projects.

He and his wife, Sue, who was the Sugar Creek Rest’s activity director until retiring in 2004, will visit Scotland in October.