Richard “David” Quinn, 85, of Macomb, IL, passed away on September 17, 2022 at his home.
He was born on June 16th, 1937 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Paul J. Quinn and Myrtle (Reichert) Quinn.
David had a passion for rowing and while in high school, he was awarded School Boy Rowing Champ. After high school, at age 17, David went into the Navy. He served from 1955-1957 and worked on the Aircraft Carrier Forrestal.
After leaving the Navy, David went to Dartmouth College. When he completed his freshman year, the expenses were too great, so he joined the Merchant Marines and eventually, ended up in Spain. This began his love for travel. While in Salamanca, Spain he ran into a professor and some classmates from Dartmouth. They encouraged him to go back to school, with credits earned for language and life skills. He graduated from Dartmouth with a degree in Spanish in 1961. He then went on to receive his Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Following this, he received his Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University.
David taught at The Choate School in Wallingford, Connecticut, Thomas Junior High School in Philadelphia, and Gettysburg College, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, before coming to Western Illinois University where he was a professor for 40 years.
David was quoted as saying he couldn’t think of any other profession, he would want to be in.
David was well traveled and was able to visit many different countries where he always made new friends.
After retiring, David continued to publish and especially enjoyed researching and writing short stories. He never stopped learning. He was fluent in Spanish, but also many other languages. David really enjoyed meeting new people, and being the avid storyteller that he was, he never hesitated in the re-telling of one of his past adventures. David was kind.
But, even more than his love for storytelling, was his love for his children and grandchildren. He was so proud of them and thought being a grandfather was so much fun. Most of all, he loved his wife, Liz. They shared a love for travel, learning, meeting new people, new adventures, drives in the country, and encouraging creativity. They were married 54 years.
Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Quinn, of Macomb, His daughter Kelley Quinn (Vajo Necak), Hilary Quinn (Jim Ransel). Also surviving are 4 grandchildren. Aiden Quinn Necak, Mirabel Quinn Necak, Lilian Ransel and Andrew Ransel. His brother Paul Quinn, his sister Rita Hill, his sister Madelyn Quinn and his sister-in-law, Mary Ann Quinn.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Tom Quinn.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL, is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
