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Robert Quinn Obituary
MOHNTON — The Rev. Robert C. Quinn, pastor emeritus of St. Columbkill Church, Boyertown, died on Friday, Sept. 19, 2014, at the age of 78, at St. Benedict Rectory, Mohnton, where he lived in retirement.
A native of Catasauqua, Father Quinn was a son of the late Joseph L. Sr. and Emma (Young) Quinn.
He is survived by his nephews, Dan, Michael and Dave; nieces, Valerie and Sharon; and his sister-in-law, Kathryn L. (Brown) Quinn.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Richard C. and Joseph L. Jr.; and his nephew, Joseph L. III.
Father Quinn attended St. Lawrence Parochial School, Catasauqua, and Central Catholic High School, Allentown. He studied for the priesthood at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook.
He was ordained to the priesthood on May 13, 1961, by the Most Rev. Joseph M. McShea at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown. Father Quinn's first priestly assignment was parochial vicar, St. Stephen Church, Port Carbon, followed by parochial vicar, Annunciation Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Shenandoah, parochial vicar, St. Joseph Church, Reading; professor, Reading Central Catholic High School, with residence at St. Margaret Rectory, Reading, chaplain, Kutztown State College, Newman Club and Catholic student adviser, Pennsylvania State University–Berks, with residence at St. Mary Rectory, Kutztown, and parochial vicar, St. Paul Church, Allentown.
Father Quinn's first pastoral assignment was at the former Mary Queen of Peace Church, Pottsville, followed by pastor at the former Immaculate Conception Church, Jim Thorpe, and pastor at St. Columbkill Church, Boyertown. Upon retirement in 2009, Father Quinn was named pastor emeritus of St. Columbkill Church, Boyertown.
During the course of his priestly ministry, Father Quinn held the following auxiliary Diocesan assignments: regional director, CYO Schuylkill County, spiritual director, Catholic Nurses Council, upper Schuylkill County, regional director, Council of Catholic Nurses, Berks County, member, Committee on Ecumenism, member, Diocesan Board of Education, advocate and notary, Diocesan Tribunal, director, Catholic Community Center, Coopersburg, member, Social Action Bureau Advisory Board, regional coordinator, CCD and adult religious education programs, west Schuylkill County, dean, west Schuylkill County, member, Council of Priests, member, Nativity High School budget board, Pottsville, regional director, Holy Name Society, Carbon County, regional coordinator, CCD education program, Carbon County, regional director, Social Action Bureau Advisory Board, Carbon County, member, Marian High School budget board, Tamaqua, and chairman, Committee on Ecumenism.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Father Quinn will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday in St. Columbkill Church, 200 Indian Spring Road, Boyertown, by his excellency, the Most Rev. John O. Barres, Bishop of Allentown. The Rev. Keith R. Laskowski, administrator, Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Easton, will be the homilist. Main concelebrants will be the Rev. Msgr. Alfred A. Schlert, vicar general, the Rev. Msgr. Gerald E. Gobitas, secretary for clergy, chancellor and rector, Holy Family Villa, the Rev. Msgr. Paul F. Curran, pastor emeritus, St. Albert the Great Church, Huntingdon Valley, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Rev. Msgr. James Tracy, Diocese of Camden, the Rev. Stephen Halabura, pastor emeritus, St. Richard Church, Barnsville, the Rev. Msgr. Robert F. Kozel, pastor emeritus, St. John the Baptist Church, Allentown, the Rev. Philip F. Rodgers, pastor, St. Benedict Rectory, Mohnton, and the Rev. Keith R. Laskowski.
The vigil service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in St. Columbkill Church, 200 Indian Spring Road, Boyertown. The Rev. Msgr. Dennis T. Hartgen, dean of the Berks Deanery will preside. The homilist will be the Rev. Philip F. Rodgers, pastor, St. Benedict Rectory, Mohnton. Calling hours will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. until the time of Mass Friday in St. Columbkill Church, 200 Indian Spring Road, Boyertown. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery, North Catasauqua.
Arrangements entrusted to the O'Donnell Funeral Home, North Catasauqua.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Quinn
Ronald A McIntyre
September 17, 2024
Still miss this great man after all these years. R.I.P. Father Quinn
Chris emerich
July 24, 2015
Sadly missed
Sister Lisa Valentini, MSC
October 5, 2014
What a good man! What a good priest! What a blessing he was for all of us who had he privilege of knowing Fr. Bob Quinn. He loved God -- and through his words and deeds made sure that we all knew that God loves us. To you, Fr. Quinn's family -- (and for him, all of us were like family) -- I am sorry for your/our loss. May he rest in peace and may he intercede for us from heaven. Blessings and peace!
Norm Ziegler
October 4, 2014
Fr. Quinn was my spiritual "go to" friend during my time in RCIA. His friendship meant a lot to me. I shall miss him
Pastor John & Kathy Pearson
October 2, 2014
Father Robert Quinn was a colleague and friend in our years in Boyertown. He was an excellent pastor to his congregation and a leader in the community. We shall miss him.
"Therefore, we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the father, we we too might walk in the newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his , we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his."--Romans 6:4-5.
joan holshue
September 30, 2014
Sending sympathy to Fr. Quinn's family. I knew Father Quinn when he was stationed at St. Stephens in Port Carbon, he was so nice and he was a wonderful priest . He Baptised my daugher Judy.
Bill and Rose Moyer
September 27, 2014
Well done good and faithful servant. You touched my life and the life of our family in a very profound way.
September 27, 2014
Peace and ALL GOOD memories from what I have read.
I never had the opportunity to know Father, but he will be remembered in my prayers.
Sr. Patricia Wickenheiser
Susan and Stanley Namowicz
September 27, 2014
Father Quinn inspired all by living his Faith and he is deeply missed.
Jerry& Irene(Lebby) Acalin
September 26, 2014
Father Quinn was one of the best "Priest-Friends". His "Hearty Laugh" & "Sincere Compassion" will be in our memory forever. Thank God our paths crossed many times throughout our lives. It certainly was a gigantic blessing to be in his company & in his prayers. We always looked forward to his Christmas greeting. May he receive his "Heavenly Reward". He truly was the Lord's faithful servant.
Ronald McIntyre
September 26, 2014
He was the reason I left my old parish for St. Columbkill. I got to know and deeply appreciate this man of God. When he announced his retirement, my heart sank....but I knew he had done all he could for his flock and that it was time for him to rest. Thank you Father Quinn for all that you did for St. Columbkill parish and for the Boyertown community as a whole.
Joanie Weber
September 25, 2014
To the family and friends of Father Quinn, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time...Always remember he is looking down, smiling and knowing what a wonderful family and friends you are. I was so blessed to have him in my life each Sunday for so many years!
May you Enjoy Heaven Father Quinn!! You so deserve it!
Lynn Burkett
September 25, 2014
So very sad to hear of Father Quinn's death. He was a wonderful man who could relate to young and old alike and so loved. God bless him and accept him to His kingdom.
ginny sherry
September 25, 2014
I smile as I remember your sweet smiling face and hearty laugh, both enhanced by how truly genuine you were. As my daughter said when hearing the news, "Fr. Quinn was the epitome if what a priest should be". And we agree one hundred percent. Rest in peace, Fr. Quinn, and thank you for being a part of our lives. It truly was a blessing to have known you.
David Franke
September 24, 2014
Father Quinn used his talents and blessings to brighten the Word of God, and the Path of Hope, all of which he has so freely shared. In many times over the past 50 years in which God has blessed my ability to know one of HIS true Angels, passionate for his Savior, yet able to spread the Word by example, even when it appeared to be tough. God surely has HIS arms wide open in welcoming for the satisfaction of a servant acting in HIS stead. You were truly a leader, a friend, and a blessing... I will also miss you and cannot imagine what eternity will be like, in the presence of my brothers and sisters like you, all who have been able to walk the walk, and talk the talk in earnest while residing as a temporary earthly being. God Bless You till we meet again.
Mary Ann Sarge
September 24, 2014
Heaven is certainly rejoicing! Fr. Quinn was a dear sweet man and touched the lives and hearts of so many. I have only known him a short time, 5 years, but his impact will last a life time. Just hearing his laughter and to see him smile at me during is homily warmed my heart. He was a true and faithful servant of God and even though his earthly life is complete, his heavenly home was waiting for him. My heart is breaking and I can not stop the tears but I know he is receiving his Heavenly rewards in the sight of the Angels. God Bless you, Fr. Quinn and my you rest in heavenly peace.
September 24, 2014
He cried when he came into the world, now we shall cry in his leaving. Beth and Gerry Setley
Elizabeth Stoud
September 24, 2014
A great man, great family friend and a great man of God.
Fr. Bally Council #1192 Knights of Columbus
Fr. Bally Council #1192 Knights of Columbus
September 23, 2014
Our dearly beloved former Chaplain and a Knight of Columbus who embodied pure Charity, Unity, and Fraternity. The souls to whom you ministered here on Earth were your joy and consolation; may they be a beautiful and everlasting crown for you in Heaven. Rest in Peace, Good and Faithful Servant.
Carol Ciambrone Kruskamp
September 23, 2014
What a wonderful man. My heart is sad to hear the news, but I know the Angels were there to greet him as he entered heaven.
Love you Fr. Quinn
Beverley Dragon
September 23, 2014
There will never be words strong enough to express the gratitude I have to have known Fr. Quinn; he was a giant among men while humble in his demeanor. He nurtured and strengthened my faith in God and no doubt did so for so many others. Fr. Quinn exemplified what a priest/disciple should be and we were so blessed to have him in our lives. My sincere condolences to all of his loved ones.
Suzanne Dooley-Adams McGuire
September 23, 2014
God will take you into his Kingdom with deep blessings
Al Romanot
September 23, 2014
A great man and a better priest with a unique view of life and religion and the ability to bring them together in a very special way. May you rest in peace and enjoy your front row seat in heaven.
Fr Bob mcconaghy
September 23, 2014
He was "one of what we all are; less than a drop on the great blue motion of the sun lit sea. But it seems that some of the drops sparkle. Some of them do sparkle"!! Fr Quinn sparkled.
He was, as Pope Francis would say, a shepherd who came home with the smell of the sheep on him. He was my friend, my hero, and i will miss him beyond the telling.
Fr Bob McConaghy
Manila, Philippines
Mary Quinn
September 23, 2014
Dear Uncle Bob You touched our lives in so many ways marring Joe and I baptising our daughters and marring them baptising our grandchildren, May you rest in peace,your job here on earth is done Love you and will miss you terribly.
Joanne Rowan Carlson
September 23, 2014
Tears are flowing as I write this, having just learned of Father Quinn's death. I was on the Parish Council during my years at Kutztown in the late 60's/early 70's and served as Council President during that time. Father Quinn was one of the most important people in my life and faith journey during those years and following. Ironically, just before leaving for a meeting this past weekend I put a note on my desk to call him this week. And and at the meeting on Friday I was telling some people about him, unknowing that it would be the day of his death. He was such a gift to me and to countless others. My sincere sympathy to his family. May he be at Peace.
September 23, 2014
I thank God for the man and spiritual leader of Robert Quinn. He instructed our family at a critical time, and instilled confidence and peace in how we were to raise our children. As a result, beautiful and well balanced Christian adults. Thank you, Father Quinn. You always remembered us and so many others in your inquiring and thoughtful manner. You were loved and highly respected. - Susan Ondo
The Heisler Family
September 23, 2014
Enjoy your well deserved time in Heaven....but you will surely be missed by all who knew you on Earth.
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