William James Quinlan DDS

William J. Quinlan is survived by his lovely wife of 48 years Patricia Seaman Quinlan and children William J. Quinlan, Jr (Stephanie), Michele Quinlan Pisciotta (Vincent), Ryan John Quinlan (Erika), and Rebecca Quinlan Caracci (Frank) and brother M. Michael Quinlan (Adrienne). Fifteen grandchildren, Bailey, Virginia, Laurie, Cara, Colin, Molly, Madison, William III, Vincent, Quinlan, Julia, Eleanor, Sophia, Emily, and Georgia will sorely miss their Papa. His bromance partner of 57 years, Dr. C.J. Steeg, is forlorn. He was preceded in death by parents Charles Gregg and Marion McGuinness Quinlan, daughter Laurie Anne Quinlan, brothers Charles Gregg Quinlan, Jr, Judge Patrick Gerald Quinlan, and sister Elizabeth Quinlan Kirby. Billy, aka Norton, was a proud New Orleans native with an easy nature about him and an enormous Irish Catholic family. Always ready for a good story, a good laugh, a good dare, a good drink, and a good fishing trip. Billy embraced a moment in a way that made him many a friend and nary a foe. He regaled his family with innumerable stories of his childhood summers in Waveland, MS, or his days at Holy Name, Jesuit High School, Loyola University and Loyola Dental School. His carefree stories were not only hilarious but also at times unbelievable. His mischievous nature was beautifully balanced by his rock solid work ethic. Billy's hell raising nights were not what defined him. He was a role model for many because he always showed up. He worked diligently as a dentist for over 40 years. His family knew he was going to be present for them for the long haul, come hell or high water. His feisty, dogged personality helped him persevere through his battle with lung cancer this past 16 months. He fought the good fight and ended the war with a Crown and 7 and a toast with his family at the bedside. Big Fish Billy was known to be expert at all things. Not only was he the world's greatest fisherman, basketball player, swimmer, golfer, gin player, and horseshoe partner, he was an avid traveler. He shared many excursions through the Caribbean Sea, Central America, Ireland, and the 49 continental United States with a long lasting group of friends. He was a leader in his community and a member of many organizations including, the Knights of Columbus, Sigma Alpha Kappa, Psi Omega, Jesuit High School Advisory Board, Dominican High School Parents Association, New Orleans Dental Association, American Dental Association, Paradise Manor Community Club, and Beau Chene Country Club. Most importantly, he was a founding member of the Last Cast Fishing Club in Shell Beach, Louisiana. Billy served in the United States Army as a Captain stationed at Fort Riley during the Vietnam War. Upon his return to New Orleans in 1969, he began his private dental practice with the encouragement of his older brother. He also taught at LSU Dental School for a while. Billy was a devoted family man. Although New Orleans was the only city he wanted to call home, his roots ran deep on Nicholson Ave. in Waveland, MS. He was his happiest at family reunions sharing love and laughter and time with his countless family and friends every 4th of July. The world does not have enough men like Billy Quinlan and those he loved felt privileged to be a part of his life. Like a fine single malt scotch, Billy aged well. His smile will be missed. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass the Chapel of the North American Martyrs (at Jesuit High School), 4133 Banks St., in New Orleans, on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the church, beginning at 10:00 AM. Following interment a celebration of his life will be held at Lakeside Country Club in Metairie. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Jesuit High School, Dominican High School, or Mount Carmel Academy.