James J. Quinn

Portland-James “Gus” Quinn passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on May 4, 2018.

Born September 27, 1927, in Portland, the youngest of ten children, to James and Winifred (Gorrivan) Quinn.  Gus spent his childhood years as a proud resident of the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood.

He enlisted in the United States Army in 1945.  He served during WWII and the Korean Conflict receiving the Army of Occupation Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He was a proud veteran and an active member of the Amvets Charles Loring Post 25, the Portland Eagles and the American Legion Paul Malia Post.

When he returned from service he met Elizabeth “Betty” Dimillo. He swept her off her feet with his dance moves and they were married in 1956. They raised seven children and were blessed with nineteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. 

Gus was proud to receive his “Gold Card” for fifty years as a member of the Local 12 Laborers Union. He enjoyed fishing, bird watching, and the annual “Thanksgiving Dinner” at the hunting camp.  Family, friends, and neighborhood kids, all enjoyed Gus’ plentiful garden and endless stories.

He enjoyed sitting by the fire listening to Irish music. He was proud of his heritage and made his first trip to Ireland when he was 80. He returned two years later to again spend time with his great-nephew and family researching his ancestry.

Gus will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He was predeceased by his parents, siblings, and his son Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Betty, his children Jeanna (Mark) Best, Joanna (Jim) Kwieraga, Catherine Rice, Dianne (John) Downing, James Quinn, Elizabeth (Rob) Minervino, and his daughter-in-law Maureen Quinn.  He is also survived by a brother-in-law, Albert Dimillo, as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Maine Medical Center Unit 3 and the Gosnell Memorial House.

Gus’ life will be celebrated with a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, May 11, 2018, at 11 am at St. Peter’s Parish, Federal St. Portland. Interment will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.

In Lieu of flowers if friends or family desire a memorial contribution in James’ name can be made to;

The Morrison Center, Seedlings Program

P.O. Box 1539 Scarborough, Maine 04070

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