James Henry Quinlan

1926 - 2023

James Henry Quinlan (Jim), 97, of Avon, husband of the late Phyllis (Donavan) Quinlan, passed away peacefully on June 1, having lived a full life to be proud of. Jim was born April 1, 1926 in Quincy, MA, where he grew up. He was the son of the late Henry and Helen (Gallagher) Quinlan. He married Phyllis, the love of his life in 1952. He and Phyllis moved to West Hartford in 1956 where they raised their family. After retiring they spent ten years in Hobe Sound, FL before returning to Connecticut. They were happily married for 52 years until Phyllis passed in 2004.

Jim was a veteran of World War II, enlisting as an Aviation Cadet in the Army Air Corps at seventeen years old during his senior year of high school. He served as a tail gunner on a B-24 in the Fifteenth Air Force in Italy. He was awarded the Air Medal and the European Campaign Medal with four Battle Stars, among other honors.

Jim attended the Lawrence Institute of Technology for mechanical engineering, where he designed his own curriculum. He became a professional engineer and later received his Bachelor of Science with honors from Roger Williams. In 1962, with George Giannoni, Jim founded Quinlan and Giannoni, Consulting Engineers. The highly respected firm designed mechanical and electrical systems for office buildings, factories, schools and hospitals throughout Connecticut. Jim retired in the late 80s.

Jim loved playing sports in his youth, especially baseball and hockey, and was an avid fan of the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics and Bruins. He enjoyed sailing and was a life-long golfer, playing regularly until his late 80s. He competed in many tournaments as a member of the Golf Club of Avon, Eaglewood in Florida and Westwoods.

Jim was a history buff. He enjoyed reading, old movies and Westerns. Jim also loved playing cribbage with his son, family gatherings at his daughter's home, having lunch and playing cards with friends at the Avon and Canton senior centers and dancing at the Italian Club with his dear friend Connie.

Jim is survived by his son Mark Quinlan of Collinsville, his daughter Paula (Quinlan) Appell of West Hartford, and her children Courtney, Joshua, and Aaron Appell. He is also survived by his beloved cousins Judy (Duane) Heap of Yarmouth, ME and James Duane of Quincy, MA, and Phyllis's family from New Hampshire. Jim was a good man of the highest integrity. He was a wonderful son, husband, father, and grandfather, and a loyal friend. The funeral will be private.