Obituary of Michael Francis Quinn

Michael F. Quinn Obituary

Michael F. Quinn, a longtime resident of Montclair, NJ, died on September, 24, 2018, at home surrounded by his loving wife of 39 years, Kathy, his devoted son, Michael Paul and his dedicated brother, Kevin.

Michael was born July 31, 1953 in Camden, NJ, to Cathryne and John Quinn. He spent his childhood years growing up in White Plains, NY, where he formed many lifelong friends. Michael was an outstanding quarterback at White Plains High School and was awarded a college scholarship.

Michael received his BA from the University of Delaware. During his tenure there, he switched sports, becoming captain of the Men’s Lacrosse Team. Most importantly to Mike, while at UD, he met his lifelong soulmate, Kathleen McCormack, whom he affectionately called, “Mac.” They married on August 4, 1979 after Michael completed his first year of law school.

Mr. Quinn earned his J.D. from Seton Hall School of Law, where he served on the Editorial Board of the Seton Hall Law Review (1980-1981). He garnered top honors, graduating fourth in his class in 1981. After completing a prestigious Federal Court Clerkship, Mr. Quinn spent his entire legal career at Gibbons P.C. in Newark, NJ. In his 35 years at the firm, he was instrumental in growing Gibbons into a powerhouse, one of New Jersey’s most prestigious and largest firms. He served as lead counsel in numerous trials and complex litigation in state and federal courts and arbitrations in New Jersey and throughout the United States. In 2000, Gibbons appointed Mr. Quinn the firm’s General Counsel. In his role as “the lawyers’ lawyer,” Mr. Quinn oversaw the firm’s ethics compliance measures, loss prevention activities, and conflicts management process. He also served as a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. Michael was a devoted and loyal friend and mentor to his colleagues, often referring to Gibbons as his “second family.”

Michael was an avid reader and engaging conversationalist who welcomed spending time with family and friends. He appreciated being in nature, bicycle riding, hiking the Appalachian Trail with his son, brother and friends, and family beach vacations. Michael loved going to the theater and museums.

Michael adored his only son, Michael Paul. He was an active parent taking great interest in his son’s education, sporting events, going to movies together and “playing” with Michael and his buddies from the time they were small tots through their high school years. He was affectionately referred to as, “Big Mike.”

In March, 2008, Michael was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer. He was determined to continue living life as normally as possible despite a rigorous treatment schedule. Michael was proudly victorious over his battle with cancer and received a clean bill of health in December, 2013. Unfortunately, Michael was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in May 2017. He was admired for his gracious acceptance of this terminal illness and his joyful appreciation for the gift of living one day at a time. Michael’s strength and positive attitude inspired all who knew him. He will be forever cherished as a loving husband, devoted father, loyal friend, colleague and mentor.

Michael was predeceased by his mother, Cathryne Quinn and his older brother, John Quinn. Michael is survived by his wife, Kathy, son, Michael Paul, his father, John Quinn, younger brother, Kevin Quinn and his wife, Lloyde Scott, brother-in-law Sean McCormack and his wife, Martha. He was the fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, October, 17, 2018 at 12:45 in the afternoon at The Church of the Immaculate Conception, 30 North Fullerton Avenue, Montclair, NJ, 07042.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Michael’s honor to St. Jude’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN (st.jude.org) or to Atlantic Hospice, 465 South St. #100b, Morristown, NJ, 07960