Edward Quinlan

1945 - 2021

Edward Quinlan, 75, died at home in West Hartford on December 2nd. His wife of 30 years, Susan (nee Sheffs), 68, and his son, Conor, 28, were by his side in his final moments. Throughout his life, Ed was a dedicated public servant, a loving family member, a passionate woodworker and seaman. Edward was born to Francis and Laura Quinlan in Newark, New Jersey on December 9th, 1945, the oldest of six children. After graduating from high school, he attended St. Mary's of the Plains in Kansas, where he majored in English. He joined the Peace Corps shortly after and taught English in Libya. Upon his return to the States, he began teaching English and History in Hartford, where he also earned a Masters in Urban Education through the University of Hartford. Ed's career in public service continued when he joined Connecticut's Department of Correction. In his position as Director of Community Services, he spearheaded efforts to fight the effects of mass incarceration and to help those returning from prison integrate back into their communities. As a public servant, Ed believed the government's obligation was to provide for all its citizens and treat them with dignity. He often referred to a plaque on his office that read "Thou Shalt Not Stand Idly By," a philosophy he incorporated into every aspect of his life. After his retirement from Corrections, he joined Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Connecticut as VP of Counseling Services. He later worked at Woodcraft, Inc in Manchester Connecticut, where he labored to make an avocation into a vocation. In his retirement, he searched for the same purpose he found in his career. Eventually, he joined the Malta Justice Initiative. He served on the writing committee for their book "The Justice Imperative." He also spent his time pursuing his passions and interests: reading about history, politics and science, creating fine furniture and sailing the New England shore. Along with his beloved wife and son, Ed leaves behind his siblings, sisters Jane and Laura, and brothers, Jerome (Beth), James, Dan (Pat). He also leaves his wife's sisters Sally Sheffs and Cindy McGinty. He is survived by his nephews, Noah and Ryan Quinlan and Daniel (Jacqueline Jordan) and David McGinty, and his nieces Julia and Anna Quinlan. Over the course of his life, he made countless friends and acquaintances whose company he treasured and enjoyed. The family would like to thank our precious circle of family and friends for all their love, help and support that afforded Eddie the opportunity to be at home during his illness. A celebration of life and burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of sending flowers, the family asks donations be made to the non-profits The Connecticut Mirror or The Connecticut Bail Fund.