Joseph E. Quinn

Joseph E. Quinn, a resident of Scranton, Pa., passed away on Friday, May 23, after a courageous battle with a 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 Sept. 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, Calif., where he was among an elite group of candidates, and went on to serve in the U.S. 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his first novel, "If the Shoe Fits…," finding time to type at his own pace, and only recently completed a second unpublished novel.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, N.C.; 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 fiancée Tammi Pugliese, Scranton, Pa.; and Bridget Quinn Walsh and husband, Rob, Moscow, Pa.

Joe's treasured grandchildren are Jacob and spouse, Natalie; Kaitlin and fiancé, Matt, Kyle and fiancée, Carissa, and Allison and fiancé, 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; and 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, Fla.

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 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Paul's Church, 1510 Penn Ave., Scranton.

Friends may call Tuesday from 3 to 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 St. Paul's 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.