Edgardo Emilio Quinones

On September 18, 2024, one of our Nation's heroes took his last fighting breath surrounded by his family.
Colonel Edgardo Emilio Quinones DDS, (retired), was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 8, 1949. His father was an Army soldier, and Edgardo (affectionately known as "Papo") followed his father's posting to Germany, Colorado, Puerto Rico, and Panama. Papo graduated from Cristobal High School in the Canal Zone, Panama. He attended the University of Puerto Rico, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree. He participated in various events, including the ROTC Program. As a ROTC cadet, he was designated a Distinguished Military Graduate. In 1974, he graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, School of Dentistry. Papo subsequently completed a prosthodontics residency program at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. and was Board Certified in that field.
Papo's military career was stellar. He spent 28 years in the Army. His passion for military excellence led him to successfully complete Special Forces training, which included airborne training, and combat scuba diving training at the Army Special Forces Underwater Operations School. He received Airborne Wings from numerous countries, including Germany and Korea. His multiple awards included the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Award, the Army Commendation Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global Campaign Medal, and the Combat Field Medical Badge. Between stints in the military, Papo served as the Chief of the Dental Clinic at the Department of Veterans Affairs in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and in Dallas, Texas. He excelled as a professional and demonstrated remarkable administrative skills. He was also a respected and admired Professor at Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas.
Papo was a beloved, sweet, caring husband, father, brother, and friend. He is survived by his wife Maria Cruz Quinones, his two sons Anthony Emilio and John Edward Quinones, his sister the Honorable Nitza I. Quinones Alejandro, and spouse Sanjuanita Gonzalez, Esquire. He is preceded in death by his parents Emilio and Ilia Maria Quinones, and his sister Ilia Auris Quinones Alejandro.
Papo will be dearly missed by his family and many friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Edgardo E. Quinones' memory either to the Disabled American Veterans or to the American Cancer Society.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 23, 2024, at St. Johns Family Funeral Home in St. Augustine. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at the Cathedral Basilica of San Augustine, 38 Cathedral Pl., St. Augustine, FL, 32084, followed by interment at the VA National Cemetery, Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Those desiring may leave messages of sympathy and encouragement by going to his tribute page at www.stjohnsfamilyfuneralhome.com.
St. Johns Family Funeral Home of St. Augustine is in charge of arrangements.