Rev. John M. Quinn
Deceased: 2021-10-14
Diocese: SYRACUSE
CSM Graduation Year: 1973
Rev. John M. Quinn, O.C.D.S. October 14, 2021 Rev. John M. Quinn, OCDS, 91, of Utica, entered eternal life on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at the MVHS Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in New Hartford. Fr. John will be remembered most for his deep love and commitment of ministering God’s word through thousands of sermons and scripture classes he shared throughout his 64 years in the priesthood.
Fr. John was born in Brooklyn, NY on July 10, 1930, the son of James P. and Clara M. (Bittel) Quinn. Fr. John was raised and educated in Syracuse, NY, and received his BA degree in Philosophy from St. Bernard’s Seminary in Rochester. He continued his education at North American College in Rome, Italy, where he earned a MA degree in Sacred Scripture, continuing later at St. Michael’s College in Vermont where he earned a MA degree in Theology, and finally, at St. Bernard’s Seminary in Rochester where he earned a MA degree in Theology. Fr. John was ordained on February 2, 1957 at the Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception in Syracuse.
His first assignment was as an assistant at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Whitesboro (1957-1965). He continued his ministry as a teacher of Sacred Scripture and Latin at Utica Catholic Academy, (1965-1974) and a teacher of Sacred Scripture at Notre Dame High school from (1974-1990). As J.M. Quinn Productions, Fr. John led a group of talented musicians and singers, creating three albums, while traveling to parishes across the northeast. Fr. John also served as temporary administrator at parishes spanning 7 counties in the Syracuse dioceses (1994-2011). Since 1986, Fr. John was a devoted member of The Discalced Carmelite Secular Order (OCDS), serving as spiritual assistant for multiple communities including his current assignment for the New Hartford and Rome OCDS communities.
Fr. John is survived by two brothers and one sister-in-law, Eugene R. Quinn of N. Syracuse and Joseph and Loice Quinn of RI, several nieces and nephews, and his dear friends, the Chromczak family, Virginia and her children, Michael, Kathy and her husband Cheech, Donna, Teresa and her husband Todd, John and his partner Andre, and their children, Matt, Nick, Dan, Vinny, Kiki, Jacob, Hannah, Luke, Gigi, and several great-grandchildren, who affectionately called him, Padre. Fr. John also leaves behind many friends who enjoyed his love and skill of magic. He was a proud member of the Syracuse and Utica International Magicians Clubs and shared a love of all things trains.
Visitation for family and friends is Tuesday, October 19, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church, 440 Keyes Rd., N. Utica, followed by a vigil prayer service at 7:00 p.m., with Rev. Mark Kaminski officiating. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Church, with Most Rev. Bishop Douglas J. Lucia officiating. Fr. John’s Rite of Committal and entombment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery Mausoleum in DeWitt, NY.
Those wishing to make a donation in Fr. John’s Memory, please consider the Discalced Carmelite Friars of Brighton, 166 Foster St., Brighton, MA 02135. Messages of sympathy may be shared at www.heintzfuneralservice.net
