Joseph E. Quinn

Joseph E. Quinn

May 23, 2014
Joseph E. Quinn, a resident of Scranton, PA, passed away on Friday, May 23rd after a courageous battle with lengthy illness.  He thanked the Lord for each and every day through all of his struggles and remained faithful and positive at every turn.  His wife is Barbara Connor Quinn and the couple would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary in September.
Born in Jessup, PA, on September 17, 1930, “Joe”, son of the late Joseph L. and Mary “Mae” Barrett Quinn, was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, Scranton, PA.  He was a proud alumnus of the University of Scranton and of the Army Language School in Monterey, California, where he was among a elite group of candidates  and went on to serve in the United States Army as a Russian Language Interpreter.  He was proud of his ability to speak fluent Russian.
After his service in the armed forces, Joe went to work for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, serving as Chief Appraiser for the Northeast District, and for a time doubling as the District’s Public Relations coordinator.  In addition, Joe maintained a private practice as a Real Estate Broker and Appraiser.  He also taught Real Estate courses for a number of years at the University of Scranton, Penn State University, and Lackawanna College.  He was a former member of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors, and the Greater Scranton Multi-List Association.
Subsequent to his retirement from the Commonwealth, Joe served as an officer of the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas as Tipstaff to Judge S. John Cottone.  He was honored by the Young Lawyers Division of the Lackawanna Bar Association as Lackawanna County Courthouse Employee of the Year.
A devout Catholic, Joe was a member of St. Paul/St Clare parish, and had been active in the Holy Name Society and the Parish Council of his former parish, Nativity of Our Lord, Scranton, PA.  He was a member of Pennsylvanians for Human Life, and the American Legion Post 966.
Joe was always a prolific writer, a talent he exercised despite  his many health struggles in recent years.   At 82 years of age, he wrote and published his first novel, “If the Shoe Fits…”, finding time to type at his own pace, and only recently completed a second unpublished novel.
Family, Faith, and Friends were the hallmarks of Joe’s life.  The daily rosary was a foundation of Joe and Barbara’s welcome to each day, through which he gave thanks to “The Divine Physician” for the blessing of the gift of each new day, and the gift of his beloved Barbara and family, as well as remembering anyone who needed special prayers.
Proud of his Irish heritage, Joe was the inspiration for never forgetting humble beginnings through history, fellowship, and song.  He was most proud of the many “Hoolies” he presided over as the family patriarch.
Joe is survived by his large and loving family: Colleen Quinn Gilboy and husband Michael, Huntersville, North Carolina; Joseph Quinn Jr. and wife Theresa, White Haven, PA; Kathleen Quinn Nazar and husband John, Dunmore, PA;  Kelly Quinn Besack and husband Atty. Steven, Glenmoore, PA; Atty. Kevin Quinn and wife Atty. Laurie Quinn, Clarks Summit, PA; Patrick T. Quinn and wife Carolyn , Scranton, PA; Brendan Quinn and fiance’ Tammi Pugliese, Scranton, PA; and Bridget Quinn Walsh and husband Rob, Moscow, PA.
Joe’s treasured grandchildren  are: Jacob and spouse Natalie, Kaitlin and fiance’ Matt, Kyle and fiance’ Carissa , and Allison and fiance’ Jeremy,  Gilboy;  Erica, Erin, and Joseph “JQ” Quinn; Patrick  and Ian Nazar, Jessica, Corey and spouse Lauren, and Norah Besack; Brittany, Christopher, Casey, Shea and Taryn Quinn; Colin , Liam, and Aidan Quinn; step-grandchildren Karissa and Jonathon Tugend; Molly and Maggie Stone; Rory, Maren,  and ‘Princess’ Fiona Walsh.   Joe’s precious  great-grandchildren are Calli, Marley, and Lainey Gilboy; Haydon Nazar;  and Annabella Stone.
Joe’s surviving siblings are Ann Quinn Cadden, Pittston, PA;  Joan Quinn Cottone, Dunmore, PA; Thomas P. Quinn,  Dunmore, PA; and Frances Quinn Hale, Altamonte Springs, Florida.
Joseph was preceded in death by his sister Marie Quinn Collins, and beloved angel daughter Molly Quinn.
The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Dr. Martin Penetar, Dr. Henry C. Yeager, Tom Hill’s Mount Olivet Transportation, and most especially the supportive and dedicated staff of DaVita Dialysis Center at Moses Taylor Hospital, for their loving and compassionate care during Joe’s illness.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, at St. Paul’s Church, 1510 Penn Ave., Scranton.
Friends may call Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. in the Vanston and James Funeral Home 1401 Ash St. Scranton and Wednesday morning from 9 a.m. until time of Mass at the church.
Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Pennsylvanians for Human Life (Scranton Chapter), 506 Broadway St., Scranton, Pa. 18505 or a charity of the donor’s choice.
For directions, to share a memory or to leave an online condolence please visit www.vanstonandjames.com.

7 Comments

  1. George W. Parker

    I worked with Joe at PADOT. A true gentleman and pleasurable person. Always a positive attitude.

  2. Joe Catalano

    Sorry for your loss.Thoughts and prayers for your family today.

  3. Debra S. Strauch

    My deepest sympathies are with the Quinn family, your Dad was a very kind, freindly and loving husband, father grandfather, brother , uncle and friend to many. I know you will always miss him but know he is watching over you. Prayers for all

  4. Amanda McIver

    Many prayers are with your family. My family and I are truly sorry for your loss. Joe was a wonderful man, whose smile could light up a room. He will truly be missed. Love to the entire Quinn family.

  5. Amanda McIver

    Many prayers are with your family. My family and I are truly sorry for your loss. Joe was a wonderful man, whose smile could light up a room. He will truly be missed. Love to the entire Quinn family.

  6. Mary K Dwyer , IHM)

    Dear Kathy,

    I have been keeping you and your family in prayer–most especially since your father’s death.I so wanted to get to your father’s wake bugt was advised not to because of the long lines.

    Please know that you and your family will continue to be remembered in prayer and hopefully I will be able to visit your Mom with you.

    I don’t have your phone # or else I would call.

    Take care, please call and let me know how you are doing

    Mary K.

  7. Marsha Daly

    Barbara and family, My thoughts and prayers are with ya’ll. I know he will be remembered well by all who met him.

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