Peter Quinn

Peter Quinn, 87 of White Haven passed away “Good Friday” at St. Lukes Carbon
Campus where he had been a patient for 2 days.

Born in Hazleton he was the son of the late Peter J. and Mercedes (Elliot) Quinn. He
grew up on the south side of Hazleton, with his parents and siblings and lived next
door to his aunt, uncle and cousins and shared many happy memories of his childhood
with family and the close-knit neighborhood.

He was a graduate of Hazleton High School. Upon graduating he served in the
National Guard for two years, then enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving for 13 years as
military policeman, and assigned to the motorcycle unit. It was during his military
career that his passion for motorcycles ignited and would endure throughout his
lifetime, and he passed that passion onto his sons.

During his service in the National Guard, he was introduced by his sister Mary to the
“Love of his life” Rita Theresa Meyers.

Although they were head over heels for each other, Rita played hard to get and would
tell Pete, “You sure are full of yourself Peter Quinn”. But he persevered and they
shared 37 wonderful years of marriage and raised five children in a loving and
nurturing home. They entertained family and friends, and no one ever left hungry and
everyone laughed with his silly antics.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, he was employed at AT&T as a
satellite specialist. During his long drives on country roads, he often found animals in
need of care. Squirrels, snakes, frogs and turtles found a new home in White Haven,
and became pets for his children. In 1989 he retired from AT&T and worked at Jack
Frost Ski Resort and then at Hershey Chocolate in security.

Pete loved being on the open road on his motorcycle. While raising their family he
rode short trips in the area. He and Rita would often ride to Stewarts on a Sunday
afternoon for ice cream cones.

In 1995 Rita passed away unexpectedly and his life changed forever. His family was
most important to Pete. He continued to be a force in his children’s lives. Even after
they were adults his thoughtfulness continued. He had a terrific sense of humor and
would shoot funny texts to his sons and daughters and leave them funny voicemails to
let them know he was fine. Every year he would send his sweethearts a box of Victoria
Chocolates.

Pete was a proud Irishman and would look forward to St. Paddy’s Day every year.

The freedom of the open road filled him with happiness. He would ride up and down
the east coast. He had the opportunity of a lifetime to ride to many states with his
nephews. Memories he always cherished.

He was a founding member of the Antique Car Club of America and the Antique
Motorcycle Club of America.

He was a member of Annunciation Parish, Church of St. Gabriel.
Despite the simplicity of his lifestyle, Pete’s impact on those around him was profound.
His humble nature and genuine interest in other endeared him to all who had the
pleasure of knowing him.

Though he may be gone, the memories of his Irish wit, his laughter, kindness to all and
his love of motorcycles will continue to echo through the hearts of those who knew and
loved him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, the former Rita
Theresa Myers, and his second wife Martha Searfoss Quinn, a son Frank Quinn and
also two brothers, Daniel Quinn and Bernard Quinn and a sister Mary Cienki.

Pete is survived by his loving and devoted children, sons, Peter Quinn and wife Mary
Jo, Drums, Thomas Quinn and wife Cheryl, Carlisle, daughters Judy Quinn and
husband Don Kosek, Houston, TX, Danielle O’Leary and husband Thomas, Houston,
TX, and sister Susan Noggle and husband Glen, Hazleton, also cherished
grandchildren Christina Quinn, Peter Quinn, Thomas Quinn, Tobias Quinn, Katherina
Quinn, Felicia Quinn, Sarah Quinn and three great grandchildren and numerous nieces
and nephews.

Ride on Pete Quinn, your spirit will forever roam the open road and your memory will
be a guiding light for all who knew you.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 1 PM at Annunciation Parish,
Church of St. Gabriel, Hazleton. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Gabirel
Cemetery.

Friends and relatives may call at the Church from 12 noon until time of service.

Arrangements under the direction of the Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home, Inc. 532
N. Vine St, Hazleton

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