Name: Celebration of Life for John Paul Quinn
Start: 2014-06-22T20:30:00.000Z
End: 2014-06-23T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Molesworth-Williams P.A. Funeral Home - Damascus

John Paul "JP" Quinn, 66, of Damascus, MD, passed away at home, surrounded by family on Monday, June 16th after a courageous battle with Lymphoma. Born on January 24, 1948, to the late John and Laura Quinn, he is survived by his wife Debbie, four children Erin, Sean, Katie and Mary, and three grandchildren Kalani, Kalea and Kai. Paul graduated from Our Lady of Good Council High School and went on to receive a BA from Georgetown University and a MBA from Johns Hopkins. Paul had a distinguished career with the Montgomery Country Police Department for 29 years and worked as a police-trained Driving Instructor for many years after his retirement from the department. Always an avid sportsman, he spent many happy hours at his gym and continued to play softball well into his 60's. He cherished his role as a grandfather and in later years, spent much of his free time with his three small grandchildren. His life will be celebrated by family and friends this Sunday evening, June 22, at Molesworth-Williams Funeral Home, 26401 Ridge Road, in Damascus, from 4:30 – 9:00pm. The funeral service will be held Monday, June 23 at Church of the Redeemer,19425 Woodfield Road, Gaithersburg, at 1:00pm to be followed directly by his internment at All Souls Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.molesworthwilliams.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Frederick News-Post on Jun. 21, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for John Quinn

Sponsored by Molesworth-Williams P.A. Funeral Home - Damascus.

9 Entries

Gloria Knutsen

August 17, 2014

John Paul Quinn was an answer to a prayer I have had ever since I can remember.
A Gift from GOD
It seems impossible that I will never see JP again on this earth. However, I know I will see him in heaven. His departure has left an empty place in my life, but what I must remember is what he meant to me from the moment he befriended me.
I can literally call JP my hero, because he did save my life on two occasions. Both he and Debbie had invited me to their home for a cookout, way before I left to live in Homestead Florida, and that was in 1989. I began to eat a hot dog, just like any other hot dog I had eaten and it lodged completely in my throat. I could not breathe in or breathe out. We were listening to one of John Paul's stories when this occurred, now being a first responder I began to think and panic at the same time, I would go to JP place my hand around my neck, trying to convey to him what was going on with me because I couldn't make a noise. I began to turn as I approached him on the deck, and he was rather curious of my behavior. He then realized I was choking and gave me a swift pat to my back and out came the hot dog. My hero. We would laugh later about the thoughts that went through his mind as this was happening.
He and his Beautiful wife Debbie welcomed me into their home and his extended family of Quinns. His parents were incredible and extremely welcoming. Later, knowing that I am an only child, JP would say that I was his adopted sister. I felt like I won the lottery.
On an unfortunate day for me, or you could even say a fortunate day, JP witnessed my reckless driving skills. It began innocently enough as I sped up to pass a car on my right going west up to Wheaton High School, but was indeed a serious lesson to be learned. JP followed me home, and in his way he taught me how an older brother loves and cares for his siblings. He was upset with me and instructed me my punishment would be I couldn't visit him and Deb for 2 weeks. He was so angry with me, and rightfully so. I felt I lost my big brother. I can not tell you the void those 2 weeks destroyed me. I happened to run into him at the Wheaton Station, while riding on another 4-12pm shift. I didn't know what to say, but I didn't have to say one word…I just listened. He told me that he hoped I was not upset with him for what had happened, and would I forgive him. He did nothing that he had to be forgiven for, that was my burden. He has an incredible loving heart and would not hesitate to help those in need.
JP and Deb allowed me to hold Erin as an infant, something I never did before. It was because he had absolute faith in me then, that gives me courage to ‘tackle' my challenges even to this day. He invited me into his home, his family his life and I am so forever grateful.
One night as I rode along with Montgomery County Police, we were dispatched to a suicide. It was indeed a traumatic event for all involved, but somehow JP gave me the strength to avoid the emotions I was starting to feel, and advised me it was my responsibility, should I become a Police Officer to calm the situation down as best as possible, understand the role a Police Officer plays in this type of situation, and above all be absolutely Professional while in a state of chaos.
One year at Christmas they invited me to help them find a Christmas tree, once found they cut it down and brought it home to decorate. This was one memory I will never forget.
In 1992, after surviving Hurricane Andrew, JP and Deb allowed me and my son who was almost a year old to stay with them. I remember him saying that he couldn't believe I was now a Mom, and how happy he was to be holding my son, and how time flies when you're having fun. JP also gave me what I consider a very precious gift, and it was his NIV Study Bible. Inside the book he wrote “To Gloria with Love Paul, When in doubt this book really does have all the answers.”
In the late 1990's, I took the initiative to stand up to an employer who took people for granted, which resulted in a law suit. When I told JP what had happened, fearing that maybe there was something I missed or could have done to avoid the issue at hand, and he said with absolutely no hesitation that I had done the right thing. Again, he provides support and strength, what would I do without him. I thought I would never have to know. All my life, JP and Deb have always welcomed me and treated me like family. A dream come true. I have lost many loved ones at this time in my life; however his passing has affected me like no other. I am still in denial. However, I have many memories and lessons learned from the Quinn's, as well as his NIV Bible to remind me how precious life is, and how fortunate I was to call him my big brother. In this day and age, that is indeed rare.
I know I will see him one day, I will hear him sing again, as he did it quite a lot. Until then in JP's honor, I will try to be as loving and as giving as he was. Those are big shoes to fill, and I will do my best.
I am a better person for knowing JP and Debbie, and I have been incredibly blessed. I will miss him until I see him again. He shaped and enhanced my life and I am forever grateful. However, this world seems a much lonelier place without him in it, and although the miles have kept us apart for over 2 decades, he was just an email or a telephone call away. He has been a large part of my life, and I miss him terribly.
I heard that after time has passed, people may forget what you say, but they will never forget how you made them feel. I will never forget JP for allowing me to feel like family. He granted me a wish that I had since I can remember, for I always wanted a big brother and I got the BEST
Love you JP, Gloria

Debbie Parker

July 2, 2014

I'm very sorry to hear of JP's passing. I'm Gloria Knutsen's cousin. My cousin was in the Explorers and Officer Quinn was a person we looked up to. He was a great mentor to kids, very wise, patient and a person you could trust. He touched a lot of people throughout his lifetime. God be with his family with his passing as God accepts a new Angel in heaven.

Debbie (Brown) Parker

Mike Rosenblatt

June 24, 2014

JP was a great man , family man & police officer. Got to know him when he was a Sargent in the Bethesda district where I worked as a motorcycle officer. John always would have kind words to say when we'd chat & later after retirement we taught drivers Ed. together. Rest in peace my friend.

Phil Lumpkin

June 23, 2014

Sorry to hear about JP, we go back a long way. I met JP when he worked at the American station in Kensington, he'd always ask me about the Dept. I told him to finish school, he did then called me to say he'd applied. Everything else speaks for itself.

Phil Lumpkin,
Gilbert SC

June 23, 2014

Sorry to hear about John's passing, he was a good friend may he rest in peace.

Bob Kinnard
The Villages Florida

June 22, 2014

So very sorry to hear this news. Missing the best neighbors that ever were on Newbury Rd. We will always remember the gruff voice of the man with the biggest heart every. Blessed journey Paul. Much love to you, Deb and family.

June 22, 2014

Sorry to hear of JP'S passing. Have know JP since grade school,later on the PD and played ball with and against him. Will keep JP and the family in my prayers. Mike Reidy

Pete Jones

June 22, 2014

So sorry to hear about Johns passing

Gerry Adcock

June 22, 2014

I am very sorry for your loss. JP was a great person, fun to be around, and I enjoyed working with him on the Police force many years ago.

I hope that the pain will be quickly replaced by the many wonderful memories, which you can cherish forever.

Gerry Adcock

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results