Obituary of William A. Quinnan

QUINNAN- William Anthony Quinnan, 87, born, May 9, 1928 passed away July 11, 2015, beloved husband of Donna Neumann Quinnan who predeceased him; cherished father of Martin (Mary McLoughlin) Quinnan, Loretta (Edward) Wilson, Brian (Sue Kern) Quinnan, Michael (Sandy Churchfield) Quinnan, James Quinnan, Martha (Tom) Farrington, David Quinnan, William (Billy) Quinnan and Thomas Quinnan who predeceased him; dearly loved grandfather of Jason (Catie) Quinnan, Jayme Spear, Casey (Brenda Solak) Quinnan, Shay Quinnan, Ellen (Gary) Witkowski, Emily (Jason) Haas, Thomas Quinnan, Joseph Farrington, Claire Farrington and Samuel Farrington; treasured great-grandfather to nine; much-loved uncle to scores of Quinnan and Carpenter nieces and nephews throughout the country. Bill was the sixth of nine children of Gerald and Loretta (Beyerlein) Quinnan. His sisters: Loretta, Mary and Margaret and brothers: Edward, John and Roger predeceased him. He is survived by a brother, Gerald Quinnan, El Paso, TX; and a sister, Francis McCarty, Shelby Township, MI. Bill was a man of deep and abiding faith who sought inspiration and lifelong guidance from the doctrine of the Catholic Church and was true to its precepts every day of his 87 years. He lived his entire life in Saginaw save for his two-year service in the United States Air Force from which he was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. He graduated from Saint Mary's Cathedral High School in 1946 and remained a steadfast member of the parish serving in nearly every lay capacity there. Active in the school as well, he coached both football and basketball to elementary and junior high boys' teams and later the girls' high school basketball team from 1962 until the school closed in 1984. During those years Bill was also a member of the St. Mary's Athletic Association - a men's club that continued to meet in the basement of the rectory. There he formed friendships with men who shared his enjoyment of euchre, sports, and beer. His own remarkable ability and accomplishments as a high school athlete led to his lifelong enjoyment of sports in general and the Detroit Tigers in particular. He went on to General Motors Institute earning a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and worked at Grey Iron Foundry ultimately becoming Plant Superintendent before retiring in 1983. After retirement he especially enjoyed carpentry with his nephew, golf, crossword puzzles and gardening. But his heart's work was the life he built with his beloved wife, Donna, and their nine children. He was a kind, quiet, loving, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His lifelong example and unswerving devotion to family and church will be his legacy. May he go on to his eternal reward which he so rightly deserves. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy will take place on Friday, July 17, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, 615 Hoyt Ave. Rev. Fr. Andy Booms will officiate. Rite of Committal and Military Honors under the auspices of the U.S. Air Force and V.F.W. Post #1859 will take place at Roselawn Memorial Gardens following the Mass. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter (off State) on Thursday, July 16, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A vigil service will be held Thursday at 7:00 p.m., followed by family and friends sharing memories of Bill. Bill will lie in state at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial gift may be made to the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption. Please share your thoughts and memories with Bill's family at the funeral home, church or online at www.deislerfuneralhome.com.