WORCESTER-Maurice H. “Harry” Quinlan, 82, of Worcester, a devoted husband, father and grandfather passed away Friday, March 2 2012 with his beloved family gathered by his side. He leaves his wife of 51 years, Beatrice (Hastings) Quinlan; three sons, John F. Quinlan of Sutton, Maurice H. Quinlan and Liam J. Quinlan both of Worcester; four daughters, Maura E. Stevens of Fairfax, VA, Deirdre M. Grimley of Clinton, Peggy N. Quinlan of Auburn and Bridjo M. Cobbs of Worcester; two brothers, Thomas Quinlan of Ireland and Gerald Quinlan of Worcester; a sister, Bridget Maunsell of Grafton; 14 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was born in Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland the son of John and Elizabeth (Pierce) Quinlan and emigrated to Worcester in 1949. Harry graduated from the former High School of Commerce and Worcester Junior College. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the Korean War. Harry worked for New England Telephone Company as a repairman for 32 years retiring in 1989. He owned Harry’s Tavern in Worcester for many years and also worked as a bartender at the Bancroft Club in Auburn. After retiring, Harry enjoyed being a bus driver with AA Transportation and a crossing guard at Norrback Avenue School.
Mr. Quinlan was a long time parishioner of St. George’s Church and a devout Catholic. Harry was a member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He had a dry wit and never missed an opportunity to tell a joke. He thoroughly enjoyed a lively game of 110 and the company of good friends. He was an avid fan of the Red Sox and Patriots. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
The funeral is Wednesday, March 7th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at 10:00 AM in St. George’s Church, 38 Brattle Street. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, March 6th from 4:00 until 7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Homeless Veterans Shelter, c/o Veterans Inc., 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605.