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BORN
1953
DIED
2014
FUNERAL HOME
Todd Quinlan Obituary
Born on June 10, 1953, in Windsor, VT., he was the son of the late Ralph L. and the late Katherine P. (Bennett) Quinlan.
He married Tessa Killian on Aug. 16, 1993, in Windsor, Vt.
Todd was a 1971 graduate of Windsor High School. He graduated from the University of Vermont, Burlington, Vt. in 1975. He continued his studies at Cornell University, where he received his PhD. in 1986.
Todd taught Sociology at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio for several years, before relocating to the Hudson Valley. In 1993 he started teaching at SUNY New Paltz in the Sociology Department. He later transferred to the Department of Advising, where he was the Assistant Dean for Freshman Programs until he retired in 2011.
Todd moved to the Village of New Paltz in 1994, where he lived in an historic house. Todd enjoyed his neighborhood, walking to work, visiting the pubs and the library.
Todd was a scholar of Irish History and visited Ireland several times, including a year in Dublin while working on his dissertation. He was very athletic and played baseball, football, tennis, basketball and ran. He was an avid reader of murder mysteries. He also completed the NYT crossword puzzle every day. Todd was a fan of the Red Sox, good beer and spicy food. Todd loved his home, his pets, his friends and his family.
Surviving are his wife Tessa Killian, New Paltz, N.Y., his son, Liam Quinlan, at home, a sister, Kathleen and her husband Kim Meisinger, of Rutland, Vt., a brother, Timothy and his wife Lisa Quinlan of Kingston, N.Y. In addition to his parents, Todd was predeceased by a brother, Daniel Quinlan.
Friends and relatives may call on Sunday, July 13, 2014, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Copeland Funeral Home, Inc., 162 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, N.Y. 12561. A memorial for Todd will begin at 3 p.m. at the funeral home.
Donations may be made to Family Of New Paltz, 51 N. Chestnut Street, New Paltz, N.Y. 12561 or the ALS Association Greater New York Chapter, 42 Broadway, Suite 1724, New York, N..Y 10004 or online at
www.als-ny.org.
? Condolences may be made to the family online at www.copelandfhnp.com. ?
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Todd Quinlan
August 11, 2014
I studied sociology with Todd as an Antioch College senior. More than any instructor I had over nearly a dozen courses at two different institutions, Todd's teaching skill made me make sense of Karl Marx's difficult writings, which was invaluable as I set off into an academic career path. I recall Todd's fondness for the Red Sox (and his being a good sport as I teased him about the '86 World Series) and good Irish whiskey. Deepest sympathies to his family. -- Shad Stanleigh
Jim Prevo
July 11, 2014
If I recall correctly, Todd was voted "most likely to succeed" by our Class of '71. I'd say he proved the class correct in our selection. Clearly he was a very positive influence on the lives of many people.
My sincere condolences to all who loved him.
Chil Mirtenbaum
July 11, 2014
We would like to express our deep felt condolences for the untimely departure of Todd. We shared plenty of memorable moments while studying at Cornell; from swinging a bat and eating BBQ at Cayuga Park to partying at his and Will's place. We have not been in touch with Todd since those memorable days, but the pain felt inside and the tears shed for him tell us we remained close. May God help you heal the pain.
Chil Mirtenbaum and Ilana Levi
Linda Saisselin
July 10, 2014
WE are sorry we never got to meet Todd.He sounds wonderful.We love Tessa, a dear friend of our daughter Amy Saisselin, and are so sorry to hear of your and Liam's loss.We just wanted to say we are thinking of you.
Shakti Davis
July 9, 2014
Todd had a very profound impact on my life, and I appreciated having him as a teacher and mentor both in the classroom and on the basketball court at Antioch College from 1988-1992. A favorite moment: Discussing the reconciliation of structure versus agency while he beat me at tennis... again.
Cathy LaPalombara
July 9, 2014
Todd was an excellent instructor and his interest in the intellectual development of students was genuine. He was the real deal; helpful but not officious and a welcome reprieve from the occasional stodginess of academic life. Sending good thoughts to Tessa and Liam ...
Jim McCarthy
July 9, 2014
I have fond childhood memories of cousin Todd. It was sad to hear of his passing. My prayers go out to his family.
Nivia Butler
July 7, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Nivia Butler (Antiochian-Brooklyn, New York)
Ellen Scalf
July 7, 2014
Todd was one of the most engaging professors I ever had at Antioch. My thoughts are with you.
Anne Pfeiffer
July 7, 2014
So sorry for your loss. I wish I could have spent more time with him. Tell everyone I was thinking of them. (Cousin Anne Bennett Pfeiffer )
Rachel McKay
July 7, 2014
Holding him and your family in the Light. -Rachel McKay, A former Antioch student)
Tina Powis-Dow
July 7, 2014
I'm so sorry for your lost. He was one of my favorite professors at Antioch College.
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Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home162 S Putt Corners Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561
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