James F. Quinn

Quinn, James F. WESTERLO James F. Quinn, age 68, of Westerlo, passed away on August 28, 2012, his 47th wedding anniversary, at Albany Medical Center as a result of serious injuries suffered in a plane crash on August 15, 2012. Born in Copiague, N.Y. on January 22, 1944, Mr. Quinn was the son of the late James and Rosemary Cooper Quinn of Lindenhurst, N.Y. and later Rock Hill, S.C. Jim grew up in Lindenhurst, Long Island, and his siblings are Thomas (Karen) Quinn and the late John Quinn, both of Rock Hill, S.C. James married Elaine Reisert in 1965 in Wantagh, N.Y. He served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1964. After completing his military service, Jim attended Suffolk Community College as a night student and young parent where he earned an associates degree in accounting 1969. He then enrolled in Hofstra University and earned a bachelor degree in accounting, graduating in 1972. Mr. Quinn continued his education at Hofstra, while working and raising his family, earning his master of business administration in finance in 1975. In 1990, Mr. Quinn earned his juris doctorate degree at Touro College Law Center, Huntington, N.Y. His was licensed to practice law in New York, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia. Further, Mr. Quinn was a Certified Public Accountant, real estate broker, and insurance broker. Mr. Quinn enjoyed a long and successful career in real estate development and acquisitions in a variety of executive positions including senior vice president and chief financial officer at the Galesi Group, Guilderland, N.Y., president of G. Ventures Management Co. in Wayne, N.J., and executive vice president and chief financial officer for DCG Development Co., Clifton Park, N.Y. Mr. Quinn joined The United Group of Companies, Inc. in 1996. He served for 16 years as the vice chairman and was responsible for the executive direction of all United Group development and financing projects, new acquisitions, and the development of new product lines. Jim had two great loves in his life - his family and flying. His family is large and happy and they spent hours together at Monday night family dinner with 20+ in attendance lovingly prepared by Elaine. He cherished the time he spent with everyone from dinners out with the grandkids to Sunday morning breakfasts at the Windowbox Cafe after church. He helped his family in every way and was the center of their lives. With over 11,000 hours of flight logged, Jim could be found evenings and weekends flying with his wife and his wide circle of friends and flight students at Albany County Airport. Jim's accomplishments as a pilot were exceptional. He was an air transportation pilot, held a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating, numerous land and sea single and multiple engine ratings, and was a certified flight instructor. Jim was a flying aficionado spreading his love of flying and planes to a wide group of friends and admirers. His closest circle of pilots he trained affectionately referred to themselves as "Quinn's Air Force." Jim volunteered countless hours piloting Angel Flights providing free air transportation for all types of charitable and medically related needs. Many of the flights were to transport injured military service men and women - a service to which he was devoted. Mr. Quinn was an active participant in a wide variety of community service organizations including Helderberg Interfaith Community Safe Haven Inc., a women's shelter in Altamont, N.Y. Further, as an attorney he donated many hours of pro bono service to the needy and less advantaged. He was also a communicant of St. Lucy's / St. Bernadette's Church. Mr. Quinn is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Elaine Reisert Quinn and his adored children, James (Stacy) Quinn of Albany, Michelle (Anthony) Marcello of Freehold, Timothy (Sherry) Quinn of Selkirk, Kerry Quinn of South Westerlo, and Duane (Rebecca) Quinn of Berne. Called Poppy by his 10 grandchildren, Jim is also survived by Sarah (Justin) Aloisi, Nicole Marcello, Marina Quinn, Alyssa Marcello, Tyler Mack, Connor Quinn, Brandon Quinn, Matthew Quinn, Caiden Quinn, and Madalena Quinn. Our family would like to thank the staff of the Emergency and Surgical Intensive Care Unit of the Albany Medical Center for the exceptional care and compassion shown to our loved one and our family. Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 31 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Fredendall's Funeral Home, 199 Main St., Altamont, N.Y. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial the following morning, Saturday, September 1, at 10 a.m. at St. Lucy's / St. Bernadette's Church, 122 Grand St., Altamont. Interment in Long Island National Cemetery will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Angel Flight Northeast Inc., 492 Sutton St., North Andover, MA 01845 or at www.angelflightne.org.