Deacon James P. Quinn Sr., of Southington, was born on May 9, 1934 in Waterbury CT, son of the late Henry B. and Minnie (Christopher) Quinn and returned into the Almighty Father’s arms surrounded in his home by his devoted family on May 15, 2017.
James was known by many names: “son”, “brother”, “friend”, “husband”, “daddy”, “uncle”, “grandfather”, and “great-grandfather”. He was a man of great integrity and possessed a pureness of spirit. He was a loving husband, a devoted father, a hard-worker, and a respected deacon. He was a soft-spoken giant who intently listened, pondered deeply and thoughtfully gave sage advice. Years gone by, he could be found tossing a ball around with the neighborhood children in the halcyon days of summer. He was intently interested in baseball and had an ongoing competition with his wife with the Yankees vs Red Sox (he was a Boston fan). He also enjoyed watching basketball and was a great UCONN fan.
James was proud of his Catholic roots and would speak of his Waterbury parochial education. He attended St. Margaret Elementary School from grades K-4; St. Peter and Paul Grammar School from grades 5-8 and finally Sacred Heart High School. James was a life-long parishioner at Saint Thomas Church in Southington and loved his religion! He was fervently steadfast in his faith. His devotion to Catholicism began as a catechist and lector and culminated as a deacon ordained nearly 35 years ago. His most proud moments throughout his deaconate ministry include baptizing almost 500 babies and aiding Sister Marie in bringing new parishioners “into the faith” through the RCIA program. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
James enjoyed a more than 30 year career as the foreman of the composing room at the Middletown Press where he made many lifelong friends. He also had a brief stint working nights at the Southington News. After retiring from The Middletown Press, he also worked in the Meriden school system as a para-professional and was a positive role model for the young students. After retirement, he could be found puttering around with his wife at craft shows and flea markets selling antiques and beautiful handmade items, lovingly made by his wife.
James was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Ann (Urillo), his parents, and brother Hank Quinn. He is survived by his five children and their spouses: Louise and Jerry Moss of Meriden, CT, James Jr. and Dana Quinn of Clinton, CT, Margaret Quinn, of Atlanta, GA, Mark and Nancy Quinn of Mooresville, IN, and Matthew and Gail Quinn of New Orleans, LA. He is also survived by his twelve grandchildren and their spouses: Jason (Allie) Moss, Matthew Scott Quinn, Christopher (Denise Melendez) Moss, A. Daniel Aldi, Shana Quinn (Brian Keirn), Catherine (Brian) Pulaski, Andrew (Heather) Quinn, Alison (Robert) Buntain, Cassondra (David Estes) Quinn, Rebecca Aldi, Thomas Quinn, and Adam Quinn. Also surviving James are his 12 great-grandchildren Aubrey, Conor, Ellie, Owsley, Huxley, Mackenzie, Seamus, Amylia, Felicity, Raven, Evan and Alex and one great-grand daughter on the way. He is also survived by his beloved sisters Mary Bochicchio and Alice Telesca as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 10 am at St. Thomas Church, 99 Bristol St. Burial will be at St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling hour will be on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 from 5-8 pm at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to Southington Catholic School, 133 Bristol St. Southington, CT 06489 For online condolences and directions please visit www.dellavecchiafh.com