[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 203 (Tuesday, November 23, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF JOSEPH J. QUINN, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 23, 2021

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn and observe the 
passing of a diligent public servant and a passionate community member, 
Joseph ``Jack'' Quinn, Jr. of Suffield, Connecticut. A dedicated member 
in local politics and a loving family man, Jack passed away on November 
7, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones, after 85 years on this Earth.
  Born to Joseph J. and Mary Mae Quinn in Hartford, Connecticut, Jack 
demonstrated fierce loyalty to our State from the get-go. Jack's life-
long intention was to improve what our region had to offer his fellow 
neighbors by way of hard work and civic engagement. This intention 
extended through every aspect of his life--even for his professional 
career, Jack chose to serve an impressive 37-years with the Connecticut 
Department of Transportation before moving on to a rightfully deserved 
retirement.
  Of course, Jack's personal commitment to improving his own community 
went far deeper than just an occupation with the State. His intrinsic 
community-oriented perspective encouraged his involvement within state 
and local politics throughout the entirety of his life. He was an 
ardent member of the local Democratic Town Committee, leading to 
various roles of service with the Town of Suffield, including a stint 
in leadership as a selectman. In his tenure with the municipal 
government, Joseph helped the town oversee several priorities from 
managing operations of the Suffield Police Department, to uplifting and 
preserving Suffield's 350 years of history, to improving proper traffic 
safety and the town's infrastructure. Beyond his time as selectman, it 
is worth noting Jack maintained his ability to advocate for the 
interests of the Suffield community through an innumerable amount of 
settings--acting as a traditional participant in state conventions, 
serving as a commissioner for the Suffield Police Commission, a member 
for the Pedestrian and Traffic Safety and Infrastructure Committee, 
serving on Suffield's Water Pollution Control Authority and 
additionally the Vice Chairman of the Heritage Committee.
  Throughout his impassioned involvement with the town, Joseph 
unwaveringly prioritized Suffield's best interests and sought to leave 
the town and its government even better than when he began his work. 
Armed with the vitality brought by his own sense of dedication, Jack 
kept a busy, local presence even into his latest years, working at 
Vinnie's Little Acre in Windsor Locks over the holidays, utilizing his 
younger experience as a florist to produce arrangements for and share 
stories with fellow community members.
  Madam Speaker, Joseph Quinn, Jr. was a diligent civil servant who 
deeply and consistently enriched the lives of those within the 
community. I have had the honor to represent the Town of Suffield for 
many years in Congress and have seen Jack's dedicated work firsthand. 
He epitomized what it meant to be a loyal public servant and a 
passionate community member. In his passing, Joseph leaves behind his 
loving wife, Corrine, three children: Katherine, Lisa, and Joseph Quinn 
III, as well as several grand and great-grandchildren. He loved 
spending time with them and will be remembered as a passionate family 
member. His memory will undoubtedly live on through his family as well 
as within the Suffield community which he served. To that end, I ask 
that my colleagues and this Chamber join me in remembering Joseph's 
legacy and expressing our deepest respect for Joseph's work and life.

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