Obituary of John R. Quinn

John R. Quinn, a lifelong resident of Brooklyn, passed away on April 7, 2026, at the age of 90, surrounded by his loved ones. John is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Peggy, and his loving children, Nancy Sullivan (Jack), John B., Maureen Russell (Jimmy), Theresa Pirrelli (Stephen), Barbara and Elizabeth. Beloved grandfather of Erin Rivera (Roberto), Nicholas, Daniel, Caitlin Paradiso (Josh), Joseph, Matthew, Annalisa, Sofia and Mackenize. Predeceased by his granddaughters, Margot and Grace. Cherished great-grandfather to Gabriella. Devoted brother to Francis, Thomas and Sr. Catherine Quinn and the late Margaret, Michael and James. John is the son of the late Michael and Mary Quinn.

From the time he was 6 years old, John’s dream was to be a firefighter. John accomplished his dream having retired from the New York City Fire Department in 1995 as a Lieutenant. He worked at L. 114, L. 153 and L. 149.

John was also a proud veteran of the United States Army. Out of basic training, he was assigned to the White House but called it boring. Alternatively, John applied to jump school and trained to be paratrooper. He was assigned to the 101 st Airborne Division in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. He enjoyed his time as a paratrooper and even has the Airborne symbol on his license plate.

John was proud of his Irish heritage as his parents, Michael and Mary, immigrated to the US in the 1920’s from Castlebar, County Mayo. Each year, during his time with the FDNY, John marched in the St. Patrick’s parade with the Emerald Society. He traveled with his brother Thomas to Ireland and together explored their parents’ birthplace.

John is a devout Catholic and a member of St. Brendan’s for 60 years. He never missed a Sunday mass and was an usher for many years. By his words and actions, he practiced his faith every day.

Heartbroken when the Dodgers abandoned Brooklyn, John has been an avid fan of the NY Mets since their inception. John was also a big football fan, rooting for both the NY Giants and NY Jets (although he rooted for the Giants a bit harder). After being discharged from the Army, he played semi-pro football for the Bay Ridge Celtics. He was also an Offensive Line Coach for FDNY’s football team for many years.

He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, particularly his wife Peggy and his family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to
New York Firefighters Burn Center: https://www.nyffburncenter.com/donate
or Calvary Hospital, Brooklyn: https://www.calvaryhospital.org/contact/brooklyn-campus/

The visitation for John R. Quinn will be held at Marine Park Funeral Home on Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Brendan Roman Catholic Church on Monday, April 13, 2026 at 10:30 AM - the family will be gathering at the funeral home by 9:30 AM. The Committal Service will immediately follow the Funeral Mass at Ocean View Cemetery.