Obituary for Peter M. Quinn
Peter M. Quinn, a beloved member of the Auburn community, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully on the morning of Sunday, January 31, 2021 at UMass Memorial Hospital, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with lymphoma. He was 59 years old.
Peter leaves his loving partner of 31 years, Patrick L. Jones, of Auburn; his devoted mother, Judith (Day) Quinn, of Auburn, and sister, Patricia (Quinn) Smolinsky and her husband David, of Shrewsbury; a brother-in-law Michael Jones and his wife Janie of Connecticut; his nephews and niece, whom he treated like they were his own: Zachary and Ryan Smolinsky, of Shrewsbury, Michael Jones, Jr., Christopher and Stephanie Jones, all of Connecticut; as well as extended family throughout the United States, Ireland, and England, many business associates and wonderful friends. He was predeceased by his father, the late Stephen Quinn, who was originally from Co. Clare, Ireland.
Peter was born in Worcester, raised and educated in Auburn, graduating in 1979 from Auburn High School. He then attended Nichols College and graduated in 1983 with a BSBA degree in Economics. He began his career in the real estate industry in Auburn, utilizing that license and knowledge throughout the years in each career. Peter’s grandmother, Margaret M. Day, was a realtor in Northampton and greatly influenced his career path – she was the foundation for his love of real estate. He worked for the Money Store, and later, for FDIC. Most recently, Peter dedicated over two decades of his career to the Army Corps of Engineers within the United States Department of Defense as a Real Estate Specialist, working until just a few weeks ago. Throughout all of his jobs, he was known as a compassionate mentor, developer, and leader.
The very definition of a well-rounded and remarkable man, Peter loved traveling, whether it be internationally or domestic, enjoyed U.S. history, and was an avid reader. Cooking was another hobby of his, from a young age, and he used his skills in the kitchen to put himself through college.
While he came across as a regular down to earth guy, Peter was born with many special talents and the selfless heart of a volunteer. Throughout the years Peter could be found being of service to his community and country in various ways.
Peter loved his hometown of Auburn and connecting with the many generations of Auburnites.
Kilkee, Co. Clare, Ireland was his second home and he visited whenever he could. Above all else, family meant everything to Peter. He loved and cared for each of his family members more than words can say. This gentle, kindhearted man will be deeply missed and cherished forever, by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, in honor of Peter’s devotion and dedication for helping others (322 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709-3543 or via www.habitat.org).
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Peter’s family from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Friday, February 5, 2021 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn, MA. Services will be held privately, and Peter will be buried in the family lot at Bridge Street Cemetery, Northampton.
Peter leaves his loving partner of 31 years, Patrick L. Jones, of Auburn; his devoted mother, Judith (Day) Quinn, of Auburn, and sister, Patricia (Quinn) Smolinsky and her husband David, of Shrewsbury; a brother-in-law Michael Jones and his wife Janie of Connecticut; his nephews and niece, whom he treated like they were his own: Zachary and Ryan Smolinsky, of Shrewsbury, Michael Jones, Jr., Christopher and Stephanie Jones, all of Connecticut; as well as extended family throughout the United States, Ireland, and England, many business associates and wonderful friends. He was predeceased by his father, the late Stephen Quinn, who was originally from Co. Clare, Ireland.
Peter was born in Worcester, raised and educated in Auburn, graduating in 1979 from Auburn High School. He then attended Nichols College and graduated in 1983 with a BSBA degree in Economics. He began his career in the real estate industry in Auburn, utilizing that license and knowledge throughout the years in each career. Peter’s grandmother, Margaret M. Day, was a realtor in Northampton and greatly influenced his career path – she was the foundation for his love of real estate. He worked for the Money Store, and later, for FDIC. Most recently, Peter dedicated over two decades of his career to the Army Corps of Engineers within the United States Department of Defense as a Real Estate Specialist, working until just a few weeks ago. Throughout all of his jobs, he was known as a compassionate mentor, developer, and leader.
The very definition of a well-rounded and remarkable man, Peter loved traveling, whether it be internationally or domestic, enjoyed U.S. history, and was an avid reader. Cooking was another hobby of his, from a young age, and he used his skills in the kitchen to put himself through college.
While he came across as a regular down to earth guy, Peter was born with many special talents and the selfless heart of a volunteer. Throughout the years Peter could be found being of service to his community and country in various ways.
Peter loved his hometown of Auburn and connecting with the many generations of Auburnites.
Kilkee, Co. Clare, Ireland was his second home and he visited whenever he could. Above all else, family meant everything to Peter. He loved and cared for each of his family members more than words can say. This gentle, kindhearted man will be deeply missed and cherished forever, by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, in honor of Peter’s devotion and dedication for helping others (322 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709-3543 or via www.habitat.org).
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Peter’s family from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Friday, February 5, 2021 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn, MA. Services will be held privately, and Peter will be buried in the family lot at Bridge Street Cemetery, Northampton.