With great sadness the family of Francis X. Quinn of Medford, formerly of Wellesley, announces his passing on May 17, 2022 in Medford. Francis was the loving and supporting husband of the late Donna Muise Quinn and cherished son of the late William P. and M. Beatrice Cunniff Quinn. He is survived by his two sisters Marianne Quinn and Judith Q. Ulrich, special cousins and a multitude of friends and colleagues whom he treasured greatly.
Francis (also known as Fran or Frannie) traveled widely but was a true New Englander at heart. He enjoyed all four seasons, the Maine and Cape Cod beaches, Boston history and politics. He enjoyed most sports, and was an avid participant in his youth and was particularly loyal to the Red Sox and Boston College hockey. His favorite holiday was Patriots Day. At a young age he would follow the marathon runners on his bicycle as they came through town. Later on he would gather with a large group of friends to partake in the Red Sox game and see the marathon winners at the finish line.
Raised in Wellesley, Francis graduated from Xavier High School in Concord. He attended Georgetown University and graduated from Boston College. At a young age Francis displayed a passion for journalism. He initiated his own sports column in the fifth grade. Legend has it he was the first person to predict “this guy Yaz is going to be something”.
Francis’ professional journalism career began at Newhouse News in Washington, DC. He subsequently worked for several newspapers in Boston and other New England cities. The majority of his career was with the Associated Press in Augusta, ME. He always referred to himself as a newspaperman and known to be objective, fair-minded, authentic and humble, along with having a special knack for developing interesting sources and stories.
In remembrance of Francis do as he often said - go at your own pace and buy a hold in your hand newspaper.
Private funeral services will be held at the George F Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, Wellesley.