Richard David Quinn

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Quinn, Richard David 76, of Saint Paul, died Thurs., October 23, 2014. He passed away peacefully with his family present and lovingly caring for him. Richard was born on October 18, 1938 in Boston. He is survived by his wife Gaida, son Matthew (Sherri), daughter Molly (Robert Voedisch), granddaughters Grace and Lola, and many cousins, family, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Mary, and brother Steven. Richard grew up in Belmont, MA and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1956. He attended Brandeis University in Waltham, MA, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1960. He moved to Minnesota in the early 1960s to attend the University of Minnesota, where he received his Masters Degree in American Studies. He was a committed participant in the Civil Rights movement. In 1965, he was arrested in Selma, AL, where he had the opportunity to meet Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Richard began his teaching career at the Tuskegee Institute. He returned to Minnesota in 1967 and became an instructor at Lakewood Community College (Century). He taught English, Afro-American Studies, and Film until his retirement in 1996. His academic career was bookended by his first job as a vendor for the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in the 1950s and 60s, and his last as an usher for the Minnesota Twins. Richard was a lover of baseball, jazz, film, theater, travel, Irish whiskey, left-wing politics, fine food, and most of all his family. He lived heartily, graciously, and was loved. The family would like to express gratitude to Jeffrry P. Jaffe, MD, and to the 6th floor ICU staff at Regions Hospital for their kind and excellent care. Memorial service 12 PM Saturday, November 15, with visitation one hour prior at O'Halloran & Murphy, 575 So. Snelling Avenue, St. Paul 651-698-0796. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Doctors Without Borders.

Published on October 26, 2014