Michael J. Quinn

Michael J. Quinn, 62, of Old Lyme, passed away at home in the arms of his family, his soul mate of 32 years, Terry Kemper, and their sons, Carter, Ryan and McLean Quinn on December 4, 2013. He was born in Baltimore, MD to Joseph Aloysius Quinn and Nancy Cook Quinn. He graduated from University of Maryland and taught at Loyola Blakefield in Baltimore, where he also coached ultimate Frisbee. He later earned a master's degree from the Yale Divinity School. While attending Yale, he taught at Fairfield Preparatory School where he established a school wide community service program and developed a unique curriculum that focused on global politics and debating contemporary issues. He attended the University of Connecticut Law School night program, and practiced law in New London for the last 25 years. He co-founded the law firm of Polito & Quinn. Over the years the firm has come to be ranked among the top in the country and was recently recognized as a "Top Litigation Department of the Year," by the Connecticut Law Tribune. His profession gave him the opportunity to utilize the strengths of his personality. He took pleasure in being a life-long learner and challenging himself everyday while at the same time helping others. More than anything Michael loved spending time outdoors. He grew up spending his summers surfing in Ocean City, MD. He frequently went backpacking with his family, and with them climbed many of the highest peaks in the Adirondack Mountains. In his free time he enjoyed cycling along the Connecticut River, with a regular passage on the Chester Ferry. He lived to share his passions, and the eagerness with which he approached them were contagious. His family thanks the medical professionals from New Haven to Boston who gave him hope and time to lengthen his journey with his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to The Drop-In Learning Center in New London. Alternatively, just be cautious while driving by a cyclist or take a walk in the woods with a friend. Arrangements to gather family and friends to celebrate his life will be forthcoming. Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for details over the next few days.