Arthur W. Quinlan Jr.

OVIEDO, Fla. —

Arthur W. Quinlan Jr., age 78, of Oviedo, passed away Nov. 18, 2008, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Natick, Mass., he graduated from Dover High School and attended Boston College. He served in the Army during the Korean War and was a retired lieutenant with the Massachusetts State Police. He lived in Massachusetts for 60 years, including 22 years in Dennis, before moving to Florida, where he and his beloved wife, Nancy, spent the last 18 years.

Arthur lived a complete and productive life, and his biggest love was family. He and Nancy Ives Quinlan were married 53 years, and they enjoyed foliage trips across various states with their four daughters, Anne Smith of Tomball, Texas, Joan DeMattos of Harwich, Sally Quinlan of Santa Barbara, Calif., and Jane Babineau of Oviedo, Fla. One of his life's highlights was a long-anticipated journey to his homeland, Ireland.

He also is survived by brothers, Thomas Quinlan of Peabody, Mass., John Quinlan of Dover, Mass., and Paul Quinlan of Natick, Mass. He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur W. Quinlan Sr. and Margaret Everett Quinlan, and by a sister, Mary Martha Cheyne.

He was a devoted, beloved "Buppa" to six grandchildren, who absolutely adored him, Christine Smith, Jackie Smith and Jenny Smith of Tomball, and Keith Bisgounis, Derek Bisgounis and Luke Babineau of Oviedo. In his folded chair, he was a fixture at all his grandchildren's sporting events.

Arthur was a member of the Catholic church. He was an avid tennis player and a huge sports fan, his allegiance displayed by the "B" on his license plate. The Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics were dear to his heart. He was always in the center of things, never met a stranger, and relished making others laugh and smile.

A memorial celebration of his life will be held in Florida today, Nov. 20.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Hospice of the Comforter, 480 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714.

Arrangements were by the Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, Oviedo.