Francis Xavier Quinn

Major General Francis X. Quinn, USMC retired, passed away on May 5, 2009 at the age of 82. Frank was born on April 13, 1927 in Philadelphia, PA and enlisted in the Marines in 1945. He served in China at the end of WWII attaining the rank of Corporal, and returned to the states to attend college at the University of Dayton. While attending UD, he captained the football team and fell in love with the Homecoming Queen and his future bride, Frances Dershem. They married after graduation and Frank joined the officer ranks of the USMC. Over the next 30 years, Frank and Frannie lived the Marine Corps life as he advanced in rank from Second Lieutenant to Major General. He served as a rifle platoon leader in Korea in 1953 and as an infantry Battalion Commander in Vietnam in 1968. He was awarded the Silver Star medal for valor and the Purple Heart medal for combat wounds in each war. Frank's last assignment was as the Commanding General of the First Marine Division. Subsequent to his retirement, Frank worked in the private sector and enjoyed family, friends and retirement in Fallbrook, CA and Williamsburg, VA. Frank and Frannie were blessed with a marriage that lasted over 50 years, with 2 daughters and 3 sons, and with 19 wonderful grandchildren. The grandkids will remember "Grandpop" as a reliable provider of sweets and tasty treats. Frank will be remembered by his family and friends as being a "Marine's Marine!" Frank will be buried in Arlington cemetery on August 19, 2009. A funeral mass will be held at 10:45 AM at the Ft. Meyer Old Post Chapel.