John M. Quinlan Jr., 85, of Amherst, passed away at home surrounded by his family on September 16, 2023.

John was the son of John and Annette Quinlan of Amherst. John was the oldest of 5 boys and attended Amherst Regional High School where he was fondly known as “Quinnie.”

A flat tire in high school, would lead him to meet his wife Joyce Quinlan (Kentfield) also of Amherst. The two of them would go on to wed in 1958 in Jaffrey, NH and create a beautiful life with their four children and many friends.

After graduating from high school in 1956, John spent four years in the Air Force. He was based out of Westover Air Reserve Base where he worked as a Munitions Specialist.

After leaving the service, he went to work for his father-in-law at Kentfield Hardware Store in Amherst where he would later take over the business. John was a hardworking handyman and eventually retired from the Jones Group in 2015.

John was an avid sports fan and would spend his days watching the NY Giants, Boston Bruins and NASCAR. When his children were young, he spent years coaching the Amherst Babe Ruth baseball team where he would pick up his new nickname of “Coach Q.”

John loved his family, and you could see it by how much he talked about them. He would always share their photos and would always be on the sidelines at sporting events and performances. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were his world and he tried to never miss an important event in their lives. John also took pride in his baking and cooking and you could often find him in the kitchen trying new recipes that he would share with friends on Facebook.

John is survived by his children Brenda (Aldrich) of Belchertown, Jeffrey Quinlan of California and Belinda (Deres) of Greenfield. John also leaves behind his four brothers, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

John will be met in heaven by his wife of over 60 years, Joyce Quinlan and his daughter Bonnie Quinlan of Manchester VT. He will also be met with many wet kisses from his four long time buddies: Jason, Tigger, Cocoa and Pepper.

Whether you knew him as John, Quinnie, or Coach/Mr. Q, please raise a beer in honor of a wonderful man.

Calling hours will be held at Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst on Friday September 22, 2023 from 10am-12pm. Graveside Service to follow at Plainville Cemetery, Mt. Warner Road, Hadley, Ma. 01035

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of John Quinlan to: The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation. www.mylegion.org