Edwin J. McQuillan, 86, of South Dartmouth, died at home February 15, 2004, after a long illness. He was the widower of Mary J. (Palmer) McQuillan.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Dr. Edwin J. and Elizabeth (McCrohan) McQuillan, he lived most of his life in Fairhaven and the past 21 years in South Dartmouth.
Mr. McQuillan was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in Fairhaven, achieving the rank of postmaster and retiring in 1975. He later established a business, A.V. Services, repairing audiovisual equipment for SouthCoast schools, and he also sold real estate.
He was a member of the Volunteer Council of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, New Bedford Port Society, St. Vincent dePaul Society of his parish, American Legion, Post 166, Fairhaven Improvement Association, Fairhaven Historical Society, Fairhaven High School Alumni Association, Friends of Ernestina and Coalition for Buzzards Bay. He was a past member of St. Joseph's Church Couples Club.
In September 1993, he was recognized by the Fairhaven Improvement Association for his outstanding public service. "He's one of those quiet people you don't always see up front, but who has done a lot for the town," association president Robert Hamilton said at the time, also crediting him for helping make the annual Homecoming Fair the event it has become and for working to ensure the preservation of the Fairhaven Academy Building.
He also was saluted by the New Bedford Whaling Museum for his years of service when he retired from volunteering at age 80. He possessed a wealth of knowledge about whaling history.
He was an avid saltwater fisherman and shell fisherman who delighted in nature, and passed that enthusiasm on to his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife in their retirement years, visiting such places as Ireland, Alaska and Hawaii.
He was a quiet man who loved spending time with his family and took pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.
From 1942-46, he served with the 19th Base Post Office, U.S. Army, and his duties took him to India and China.
Survivors include five daughters, Mary Anne McQuillan and her husband, Fred Sterner, of East Freetown, Elizabeth McQuillan of La Jolla, Calif., Martha McAfee and her husband, William, of Fairhaven, Trish Ashworth and her husband, Glenn, of Tiverton, R.I., and Joanna Weeks and her husband, Loring, of Fairhaven; two brothers, Frank McQuillan of Centerville and Alfred McQuillan and his wife, Patricia, of Fairhaven; four grandchildren, Katherine McAfee of Brighton, Joshua Renfree of New York City, Adam Renfree of La Jolla and Stephen McAfee of Fairhaven; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was the brother of the late John McQuillan and Daniel McQuillan.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New BedfordSaturday, February 21st at 8 AM.Funeral Mass at St. Mary's Church, Dartmouth at 9 AM.Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Visiting hours Friday, February 20th from 2-4 and 6-8 PM.
Interment St. Mary's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. Vincent dePaul Society, c/o St. Mary's Church, 783 Dartmouth St. Dartmouth, MA 02748 or to Community Nurse & Hospice Care, P.O. Box 831, Fairhaven, MA 02719.