SOUTH PORTLAND - On Monday, August 21st, doing what he loved best, playing poker for quarters with his favorite ladies, our dad took a fall that he was unable to recover from. We find peace that he was doing what he loved. Our dad still lived in our family home and we all enjoyed visits to just check in or to watch the Red Sox with him.
His life was defined by caring for his children, grandchildren, and many other kids in Sunset Park. He spent countless hours on the ball fields and coached several little league teams. He often filled the family station wagon with neighborhood kids and took us all to the Twin Drive-In.
He fought for over a week after his injuries and died peacefully on Friday, September 1, 2017, surrounded by his family.
John was born to Sarah (Burke) and George McQuinn in Cambridge, MA, on June 20, 1933. Moved to South Portland when he was young and attended Holy Cross School and graduated from Cheverus High School in 1952.
Our dad spent his life busy going to sporting events, talent shows, plays, and graduations. Whatever it was, he was there. He was proud of his grandkids and quite the taxi service; picking them up from school when they were sick, dropping them at work or delivering snacks.
He also loved the Atlantic Ocean and the surf at Jordan or Crescent Beach. We had many picnics as kids thanks to him getting there early to reserve tables.
He loved to play cards. Bridge, poker, cribbage, solitaire at the kitchen counter. He had a knack for numbers and card games. He also loved his South Portland cribbage group where he played five days a week for years. (Thanks Norm).
Last but not least, our dad was well known for the frequent yet very quick “pop ins”. He loved to make his rounds to visit his kids and the grandkids, and especially loved “dollar days”. Papa will be greatly missed.
He was predeceased by his wife, Cecelia Mary (Campbell) McQuinn on April 24, 2013, and his two brothers, George McQuinn and Robert McQuinn.
He is survived by his three sisters, Joan and (Ernie) Cote of Hampton Beach, NH, Sally and (John) Elwell of Cape Elizabeth, and Maureen McQuinn of Stoneham, Massachusetts. And his six children, Kevin (Katie Delorme) McQuinn of Scarborough, Colleen and (Don) Snyder of Scarborough, Maureen and (Joe) Salisbury of Scarborough, John McQuinn of South Portland, Michael and (Cecilia) of Durango, Colorado, Margaret (Peggy) and (Jason) Mitschele of South Portland. As well as daughter in law Dana McQuinn of South Portland. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Kevin’s daughters Mattie Simpson and Carly McQuinn. Colleens children- Erin Wallace, Nell Ballard, Jack Snyder, and Cara Snyder. Maureen’s children- Joseph, Emily & Sarah Salisbury. Johns children- Brendan Amy, Adrian Amy and Simon McQuinn. Michaels children-George and Carter McQuinn and Peggy’s children- Sydney, Ellie and Hannah (his bff) Mitschele.
We shall miss eating Forbidden Chocolate Ice cream, drinking all his orange soda, and putting on dance shows for Papa.
He is also survived by four great grandchildren; Cooper and Daisy Ballard who lived around the corner from him, Owen Snyder of Ohio and Ezra Wallace of Maryland. We love the photos of Papa holding his great grandchildren.
We would like to thank the nurses at MMC in SCU 4, you were amazing. Also, his all-time favorite nurse (besides his wife) his niece, Katie Footer Johnson, who took such great care of him over the years at Mercy.
The family invites you to join us at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland, on Saturday, September 9, 1:00-2:00 p.m. visiting hours, 2:00 p.m. service, followed by a reception at the Hobbs Hospitality Center. Burial will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: EFNE, 335 Main Street, #8, Wilmington, MA 01887 - In memory of John McQuinn or "Team Hannah" - Epilepsy Foundation New England Walk, September 24, 2017 in Freeport, Maine at 11 o'clock. Website link: https://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/peg-mitschele/freeport-walk-for-epilipsy2
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