Northborough – Francis P. Quinn Sr., 74, died peacefully in his home the morning of Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, surrounded by his loving wife of 49 years, Carol Cosgrove Quinn, and his treasured seven children.
He leaves his devoted wife and mother of their children, Carol Cosgrove Quinn, and his five sons and two daughters, MaryAnn Quinn Kavanagh of Northborough, Francis P. Quinn Jr. and his wife Lori of Holden, Kevin W. Quinn and his wife Sheila of Needham, Brian M. Quinn and his wife Stephanie of Wynnewood, Penn., Christopher C. Quinn and his wife Leslie of Holden, Patrick M. Quinn and his wife Amber of Westport, Conn., and Erin Quinn Shannon and her husband David of Worcester. Among Fran and Carol's many blessings are 16 beautiful grandchildren that hold their grandfather very near to each of their hearts.
Born Oct. 7, 1937 in Worcester, the only child of Francis and Cecile Quinn, he lived most of his life in Worcester County and settled in Northborough in 1973 to raise his young family. He graduated from North High in Worcester as an All-Star lettered athlete in three sports. He furthered his education at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, graduated in 1959, and as no surprise, was captain of their golf team.
Upon graduation from Holy Cross, he met and later married his wife, Carol Cosgrove. They courted while on the fairways and greens of Green Hill Golf Course, under the “tutelage” of Carol's uncle, Walter Cosgrove, a charismatic golf professional.
Mr. Quinn pursued a sales and marketing career in the pharmaceutical industry at Hoffman – LaRoche Laboratories out of Nutley, N.J. His remarkable and most impactful career with Roche spanned over 47 years. During that time, he received Presidential Achievement awards commending his work ethic and proven results; year after year, decade after decade. He loved the challenge of his profession, respected his peers, and contributed to mentoring many careers in the process. The gift of his humble, yet powerful managerial influence assisted many people in launching remarkable careers that have helped to sculpt the future of countless individuals, and their families. He was a man that made a difference.
Mr. Quinn, also known as Big Fran, Large, Quinny, Franny, “Q,” Dad and Grampa, embodied an unrelenting passion for his wife, family, friends, career and extraordinary faith. There is no doubt that the game of golf played a big role in his life, and it certainly runs throughout the veins of the Quinn/Cosgrove clan. However, if the truth be known, he was a “scratch” player that only had the time to play sparingly. With seven children and a demanding role as a Sales and Marketing professional, he didn’t have much time to squeeze in a quick “18.” September 25, 1966 was proclaimed Francis Quinn Day in Worcester for being the first Central Massachusetts golfer to win the New England Amateur.
After turning 40, he retired his “competitive sticks.” What he truly grew to love about the game of golf was to watch his five sons flourish as accomplished players and gentlemen, both on and off the course. Over the years, with his wife and daughters by his side, he watched every shot vigilantly as they all played themselves out.
Mr. Quinn was a longtime member at St. Rose of Lima in Northborough. The foundation of his parish gave him and his wife the strength to live in the day; believe that all challenges could be overcome, and that God could move mountains to make dreams become reality if he came willing to bring the shovel.
Mr. Quinn will forever remain in the hearts of all the lives he touched throughout the years. He was a prince of a man, a wonderful husband, a loving son, the most devoted dad, and a loyal friend.
Calling hours at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, will be held Thursday Jan. 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral will be held Friday, Jan. 6 with a Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church, 244 West Main St., Northborough. Burial will be held at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.
For the past 20 months, Mr. Quinn battled pancreatic cancer with courage, hope and dignity. He was cared for by some of the most competent and compassionate healthcare professionals in the world. He especially bonded with his oncologist, Dr. Thomas Abrams of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, throughout his journey. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to support the Thomas Abrams Research Fund in care of Audrey Kalisz, 450 Brookline Ave., Dana 1220, Boston, MA 02215.
