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BORN
1934
DIED
2023
Anthony Quainton Obituary
Anthony Cecil Eden Quainton
April 4, 1934- July 31, 2023
Ambassador Quainton was a diplomat and educator with a zest for life. He was educated in Canada (St. Michael's), the United States (Andover '51, Princeton '55), and the United Kingdom (Sherborne and Oxford). He met and married fellow Marshall Scholar, Susan, in 1958.
During his career (1959-1996) Ambassador Quainton had seven presidential appointments under four presidents, both Republican and Democrat: U.S. Ambassador to the Central African Republic, Nicaragua, Kuwait, and Peru; Director of the Office for Combatting Terrorism; Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security; Director General of the Foreign Service. He taught at the School of International Service at American University (2003-2022), where he was named Distinguished Diplomat in Residence.
He served on many non-profit boards, most recently: Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, Princeton Alumni Corps, St. Michael's University School (Canada), Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington, Washington Theological Consortium, and La Roche University. He joined a Lions Club in 1964 in Pakistan and remained an active Lion throughout his life.
Tony is survived by his wife of 65 years, Susan Long Quainton; three children, Katherine, Eden, and Elizabeth, and their spouses; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A funeral mass with reception following will be held on August 16 at 11 a.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church, 3810 Massachusetts Ave, Washington D.C. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington, ifcmw.org, or the Washington Theological Consortium, washtheocon.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Quainton
Paul
July 30, 2024
Susan, At the anniversary of Anthony´s passing, I have shared with several current mentors how much he impacted my life while serving under him in Lima. He invested, and will be forever missed! Many, like me, I´m sure hold his memory dear. May strength find you as you strive and hold those memories dear too.
Very respectfully,
Paul
[email protected]
Jill Johnston
July 30, 2024
I met Amb. Quainton in October of 1985 at the American Embassy in Kuwait after he selected me to be his secretary. He was the most intelligent and honest man I ever met in the Foreign Service. Susan was his alter ego and equal to him in every way. My then fiancée and I used to play them in tennis and none of us held back in our desire to win. Rank did not have privilege!
In April 1996 I worked for Tony when he was Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Personnel. He served our country with distinction, integrity and elan. I recall him energetically entering his office after riding his bike from his home in northwest Washington to the State Department., an amazing feat in D.C. traffic.
I just finished EYE ON THE WORLD, his biography of his (and Susan´s) life in international service. After reading the book one truly comprehends what a brilliant, principled man he was. It was an honor for me to work for him. I shall never forget him or Susan, an amazing couple.
Paul Snyder
August 22, 2023
Dear Susan,
My deepest condolences, Susan, at Anthony´s passing.
He was my beloved, respected boss in LIMA, opening doors for me, I didn´t even understand the importance of early in my career.
I am currently his reading his book Susan, and send my love and respect to you and the entire family.
His loss is immeasurable to you, our world, at STATE, and his legacy now lasting, carried forward in the strong lives on many MSG´s he personally cared for, served and ensured strong futures for.
Semper Fidelis, Anthony, fair winds and calm seas as you´ve taken flight with the Angels!
Very respectfully,
Paul Snyder
[email protected]
Larry Golemon
August 14, 2023
Tony was Board chair at the Consortium when I was hired years ago. All these years he has been a source of wise counsel, quick humor, and crystalline insights. He was a champion of Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue, and he used his diplomacy skills far beyond national interests. I shall miss him deeply as one of the greats. Blessings to Susan and the family.
Tommye Grant
August 14, 2023
Enjoyed the chats about the office. Enjoyed Lions service with Ambassador Tony. R.I.P.
Tommye Grant
August 14, 2023
Mary Kathleen Walker
August 12, 2023
Our prayers and condolences go out to Susan, Catherine, Eden, and Elizabeth. We will miss Toney however, we are honored and grateful to have known such a wonderful person. Your next-door neighbors here are sending prayers out for Toney and the entire family in this difficult time. God bless you.
Fondly,
Kathy & Jon
Terri MacKenzie, SHCJ
August 11, 2023
Since I haven't been in touch for decades, I hope Tony (and Susan) knew high highly I have esteemed them from the first time we met in the late 60's. I am truly saddened by the news of Tony's death, and I send loving condolences and prayers to Susan and the family. Thank you for enriching my life.
Terri MacKenzie, SHCJ (Sister Ellen Mary)
Roberta DeVore
August 9, 2023
To the memories of lovely Seattle visits with Tony and Susan
Bobbie DeVore
Stephanie Harrison
August 7, 2023
I feel so grateful to have had the chance to spend a wonderful evening with Anthony several years ago, as his granddaughter Maggie is my sister-in-law. His passion for the world and love of life was apparent in every word he said; I still remember it as one of the very best dinner conversations that I have ever had. He was a truly great man and he will be sorely missed. I am grateful for the impact he had on my life in just one evening; I can only imagine the impact he had upon those who he spent much more time with. I know his legacy will live on through his amazing family.
Jo Ann and Family
August 6, 2023
We were fortunate and very blessed to have had you in our family!
Thank you Tony .
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