In the early hours of Friday, February 12, 2021, Gary L. Quinn Sr., age 70, while surrounded by his family, entered into eternal life following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on October 29, 1950, in Wilkes-Barre, Gary was one of three children born to the late William S. and Margaret (Cannon) Quinn.

Raised in the North-End section of Wilkes-Barre, Gary attended James M. Coughlin High School.

A United States Marine Corps Veteran, Gary honorably and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Rifle Marksman Badge, the Vietnamese Service Medal and the National Service Defense Medal. At the time of his honorable discharge, he had attained the rank of Lance Corporal.

Prior to his retirement, Gary was employed as a senior project engineer for Norfolk Southern Railway. In his earlier years, he was employed by the Lehigh Valley Railroad which later became part of Conrail. At Lehigh Valley Railroad, he initially worked in the Signal Gang with his father. He was respected by his peers, loved by his employees, and upon his retirement in 2011, he was recognized by Norfolk Southern as “one of the finest signal construction men in railroad history.”

Gary was a longtime member of the former Holy Trinity Church, Swoyersville, now consolidated into Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. At his church, he served as chairman of the finance council, and was actively involved for many years with the parish bazaar. When his sons were attending Holy Trinity Grade School, he served as president of the Parent Teachers Organization and also as a troop leader for Cub Scout Troop 143, Swoyersville.

Gary was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Assumpta Council 3987, Kingston. He was a 4th Degree Member of the Our Lady of Czestochowa, Assembly 1928, Kingston. During his many years with the Knights of Columbus, he served in various offices, eventually serving a term as Faithful Navigator.

A proud American and veteran, Gary was a member of the American Legion, Post 655, Larksville, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 283, Kingston, where he served as Quartermaster. He was a past member of the American Legion, Andrew Lawrence Post 644, Swoyersville, where he served as Treasurer and held a seat on its Board of Directors.

Gary, an avid Philadelphia Eagles and Notre Dame football fan, was a very active and social person who would do anything for his family and friends. He was an eternal optimist who always focused on fixing things; what was possible; and the positives of life. He was deeply loved by all and will be missed by his family and friends.

Gary is survived by his wife, the former Janice M. Kovalik; his three sons, Gary L. Quinn Jr. and his wife, Cheryl, Belleair, Florida; Ryan Quinn and his wife, Laura, Forty Fort; and Michael Quinn and his wife, Megan, Williamsville, New York; his five grandchildren, Brianna, Harper, Amelia, McKenna, and Finleigh; his brother, Reverend James Quinn, Edwardsville; his sister, Ellen Duda and her husband, John, Wilkes-Barre; his nieces, Melissa Duda and Alison Duda; and numerous close friends.

The family would like to recognize and thank all those who lovingly cared for Gary during his time of illness, including the staff of the Henry Cancer Center at Geisinger Medical Center; the staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center; the nurses from Compassus Hospice; his multiple friends, specifically his longtime friend, Linda Mangold Booth; his friend, Tracy Gercak RN; and his loving daughter-in-law, Laura Quinn RN.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Gary’s Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at 11:00 AM in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville, with the Reverend Richard J. Cirba, family friend, officiating.

Those attending the funeral Mass are required to wear a facial covering and observe social distancing.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Cemetery, Swoyersville, where Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Marine Corps.

There will be no public calling hours.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort.

For additional information or to send Gary’s family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home’s website, www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com, or Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gary’s memory to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org); the Vietnam Veterans of America (www.vva.org/donate); or to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (www.vvmf.org).