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John Quinn Birmingham Jr.
John Quinn Birmingham Jr.
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John Birmingham Obituary
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 61 years, Elizabeth (Hogan) Birmingham, and children Judith B. Harrington and her husband Wesley of Newton and John Q. Birmingham, III, and his wife Lisa of Bryn Mawr, Pa. He was blessed with five grandchildren: Heather E. Harrington, Wesley E. Harrington IV, Kyle A. Harrington, Sarah M. Birmingham and Elizabeth A. Birmingham; and one great-grandchild, Quinn Birmingham Harrington, and he reveled in the time he spent with each of them. Mr. Birmingham was also predeceased by a twin sister, Ann B. Leonard.
John was born in Boston on Dec. 12, 1924. The son of John Quinn Birmingham and Alice (Barry) Birmingham, he grew up and attended schools in Belmont. He was a 1945 graduate of Massachusetts Maritime Academy. During his years at sea, he achieved Master Mariner status with a Captain's license for steam and motor vessels of any gross tons upon any ocean.
As an avid boater, he spent his entire life involved with ships, boats or on the water. He grew up in the family business, Quinn Brothers in Boston, a stevedoring company founded by his great-grandfather.
A World War II veteran, he served in the Merchant Marines and the U.S. Navy where he served on troop and supply ships in the Atlantic during the war.
He continued his love of the water and owned several boats, most notably his beloved trawler yacht, "The Betso," and cruised extensively on the East Coast of the United States between Cape Cod and Key West, Fla.
For 34 years, John held various advertising sales positions with the McGraw Hill Publishing Companies business publications in the Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia and New York offices.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 76 Wianno Ave. in Osterville on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at 11 a.m. Visiting hours will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at the Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home at 160 W. Main St., in Hyannis.
In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Mr. Birmingham may be made to the Osterville Historical Society, 155 West Bay Road/P.O. Box 3, Osterville, MA 02655 or Massachusetts Maritime Academy Foundation, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532.
Doane, Beal & Ames
508-775-0684
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Pete&Mary McCusker
March 4, 2010
Dear Betty, I have started this message at least a dozen times. I can't find the words. Mary and I were truely saddened to learn of Johns passing. Our most sincere condolences to you and the family.
We will miss his infectious enthusiasm and optimism.A wonderful gentleman and honestly interested friend.God Bless
MARY JANE BURNS
March 2, 2010
DEAR BETTY, HEARD THE SAD NEWS ALL THE WAY DOWN HERE IN KEY LARGO. I AM SO GLAD I GOT TO SEE JOHN ON THE CAPE LAST SUMMER. I'M SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.I'LL NEVER FORGET HIM.FONDLY,MJ
Bob Tromblay
March 1, 2010
Judy and Wes...We are so sorry for your loss...This is a sad time for you both....It is also a time when family and friends will rally to your side...Be thankful that you both have many friends and family that will be there for you...Bob Tromblay and Pat Harrington
March 1, 2010
Betty, Sorry to hear about your loving husband John Q. The Red Sox have lost one of their greatest fans! He was a wonderful friend of mine for years. God Bless you John.
Walter J Sullivan
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Rob Trout
March 1, 2010
Judy: I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I recall him as a very accomplished, classy gentleman in every way. Your warm memeories of him will hopefully bring you solace at this difficult time. Pls. extend my very best to your mother and family.
March 1, 2010
Dear Betty,
We are so sad to hear of John's passing. Our sincere condolences to you and the family.
Bob and Katy Sulzman
Skid Schermerhorn
March 1, 2010
Our MMA class of January 1945 is getting smaller and smaller.
My prayers go out to John and his family.
The Staff of Doane Beal & Ames Funeral Home Funeral Service Incorporated
March 1, 2010
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.
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160 West Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601
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