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The Reverend John J. Quinlan

About

Seton Hall University

FUNERAL HOME

Smith-McCracken Funeral Home - Newton

63 High Street

Newton, New Jersey

John Quinlan Obituary

The Reverend John J. Quinlan, 65, of Swartswood, died on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011, at home. Viewing will take place at Our Lady of Mount Carmel R.C. Church, 203 Swartswood Rd., Swartswood, on Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. evening Prayer Vigil Service. The viewing will continue on Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the church, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 7 p.m. Interment will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Newton. Arrangements are under the direction of the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St., Newton. Online condolences may be offered at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com Born in Newark, Father John was a native of Nutley. He graduated from Seton Hall Preparatory School in West Orange and Seton Hall University in South Orange. Father John studied for the priesthood at the former Immaculate Conception Seminary in Darlington and St. John Vianney Seminary in Bloomingdale, Ohio. He was ordained by the late Bishop Lawrence Casey in St. John Cathedral. Following his ordination in 1970, Father John served at Our Lady of the Lake in Mount Arlington, Our Lady Star of the Sea in Lake Hopatcong, St. Joseph Parish in Newton, and in 1996 was named pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Swartswood. He had been a priest of the Diocese of Paterson for over 40 years. Father John served as chaplain for Newton Memorial Hospital from 1979 until 1996 and was named "Chaplain of the Year." A certified medical technician, he was a member of the Newton First Aid Squad for 30 years and was a former chaplain of the Jefferson Township Police Department. Father John was chaplain of the Newton Fire Department for 30 years and chaplain of the Sussex County Firemen's Association for 28 years, where he was awarded the honor of becoming a life member in 2010. He was also a member of the Blue Knights and the Red Knights. The son of the late John Joseph and Margaret Ford Quinlan, Father John is survived by three brothers, Steven, Jim and David Quinlan, and two sisters, Elizabeth Quinlan Howell and Mary Quinlan Goytil. Memorial donations may be made to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, N.J. 07860, or Alina Lodge, 61 Ward Rd., Blairstown, N.J. 07825.

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Published by The Star-Ledger on Jan. 24, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for John Quinlan

21 Entries

Jacqueline Stachura

January 28, 2011

Father John was part of my life for over 30 years, we rode the ambulance together when he did transports for Newton Hospital,and shared some great stories. . He performed the wedding ceremony for my daughter and son-in-law over 21 years ago and did many bapitsms for family and friends. He was my pastor, my friend and someone I could always talk to about anything. Father John is loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him. Peace & love always to a wonderful priest who will never be forgotten.

Vincent Abello

January 28, 2011

Both my brother and I grew up with Father John being a part of our spiritual life. Having both attended Saint Joseph's Regional School, we saw him regularly as he was a priest at Saint Joseph's Church in Newton for as long as I remember. We both had the honor of celebrating mass with him as alter boys. I remember speaking with Father John in preparation for my confirmation. My wife and I also have him to thank for marrying us almost six years ago, but more importantly preparing us for marriage. He was one of the kindest people I've known, easy to get along with and a great spiritual teacher and inspiration. We will all truly miss you, Father. Thank you for all you've done for so many. Although I'm filled with sadness to know you have left us, I am truly happy you are at peace.

Ginger Satter

January 26, 2011

Fr. John was greatly love and respected by my parents, Arthur and Leslie Satter. I did not know him personally, but through them I knew of his great dedication to his parishoners and community. He will truly be missed, but his life will always be a reminder to all of what one person's love can do.

Cheryl Thom

January 26, 2011

Father Quinlan was an inspiration to me as well as all Sussex County Firefighters. He never said no whenever called upon. His prayers and blessings to all our emergency service workers were always heartfelt. I had the honor of presenting him with his Life Membership certificate in our Assn. this past November - it brought both him and I to tears. He was a wonderful man who always put others above himself. He took on his disease with a positive outlook and looked to God to guide him through. Godspeed our wonderful friend...We will ALL miss you but are at peace knowing that your pain has finally ended.

Cheryl Thom

January 26, 2011

William Fehr

January 26, 2011

Fr. J,
You came into our lives and changed the way we all viewed priests. I mean you drove a Firebird and had a motorcycle -- WOW! That was the coolest thing ever! I personally will never forget the laughter, the tears, the lectures, the discussions, and yes the debates (which sometimes lasted for hours). The many ambulance calls we answered together. The lives we brought into this world, the lives we watched leave this world, and the lives we touched within this world. Your smile was contagious, your laugh infectious. You taught us that beneath the collar stood, a leader, a follower, a listener, and most of all A FRIEND. As you yourself told us many, many, many times...go in peace, ride safe, and God Bless.

Alicia

January 25, 2011

Father - though cancer claimed your body, may God now claim your soul for all eternity.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
My deepest condolences to the immediate family members and also to Father Quinlan's parish family at OLMC. Many prayers go out to all of you!

Msgr. John Campbell

January 25, 2011

Fr. John was a wonderful friend in the seminary and in the priesthood. As he returns to his Loving Lord, may God bless him with eternal light, happiness and peace.

Geri Nolan-Jenkins

January 25, 2011

May you rest in peace, Father John. You were the guiding light at OLMC and will be missed. God Bless you.

Postmaster Nick

January 25, 2011

Father John I was lucky to have met you.
May you rest in peace in the house of the lord.

Julia Ryals

January 25, 2011

Though I've drifted from the church, Father John will always be remembered as a kind, gentle soul who always cared enough to talk to even his littlest mass attendee. I remember him from when I was a little girl, and definitely will remember him always.
<3<3<3

Mrs. Williams

January 24, 2011

Please accept my sincere condolences during this time of your loss.
May you find comfort to know "God is near to those broken at heart and those crushed in spirit he saves." Psalm 34:18

Alice & James McKeever

January 24, 2011

Alice & Jim will always have great memories of Fr. John during his Star of the Sea days. Especially the fun times with the Couples Club and St. Elizabeth College. A beautiful, loving soul has left us, but, he's riding a heavenly motorcycle now. Have fun Fr. John and please pray for us.

January 24, 2011

Fr. Quinlan was the first person we met at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in 1974. Many fun memories with him at Couples Club functions at OLSOS. He was instrumental in Larry persuing an annulment and was there for Larry on his last days when he was ill and helped our family spiritually. He also offered to con-celebrate at Larry's funeral mass. Yes, Fr. Quinlan will not be forgotten, but missed greatly.
Joyce Spinelli and family

Janet Dunn-Dobbs

January 24, 2011

Rest in Peace Father Quinlan. Father Quinlan, or as my father called him, "JQ" was down to earth and went out of his way to help people. He was the only priest I knew who wore motorcycle boots and a leather jacket on a regular basis. I will always remember when he traveled with us on vacation to Lyme, New Hampshire. He was a great family friend and will be missed by the Dunn Family!

January 24, 2011

Fr. John will be sorely missed by all of us from OLMC. But in his Father's arms he will rest peacefully, in that we can take comfort. Many prayers for him, his family and his beloved Parish.

Cyndi (Govero) Pilewski

January 24, 2011

Our beloved Fr. John Quinlan has passed. JQ, our big green sneakered adopted bro. There when I was but a child. Looks over glasses to the choir loft (trouble?). Sharing meals, laughter, smiles, & tears. There at anniversaries, birthdays, festivals, & sharing life. There at mother's passing. There to marry us & always... there. You blest our parish, our community, & our families. Loving thoughts of Star of the Sea...and a beautiful man. Always faithful in thoughts, deeds & actions. Fr. John, thank you for being a beautiful reflection of God's light in this impossible world.

January 24, 2011

Fr. Quinlan was a young priest when he married us in Sept. 1976 at Star of the Sea Parish, Lake Hopatcong. We fondly remember him and his devotion to the community, rescue squad and fire dept. Our sypmathy to his family.
Regina and Joe Schmidt, Lk. Hopatcong, NJ

Colleen Perry

January 24, 2011

I will always remember Father Quinlan comming to my parents house on his motorcycle and taking me for a quick spin

Lori DiGaetano

January 24, 2011

Our Deepest Sympathy to the family of Fr. John and the parish community of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Fr. John & the Knights were so good to me and my teens from St. Anthony's in Passaic. Please know that you are all in our prayers and hearts!

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