William E. Quinn

William Edward Quinn, 74, passed away unexpectedly on March 8, 2023. Born in Springfield on September 11, 1948, the oldest of 12 children of the late Robert and Rita (Cummings) Quinn, he was a lifelong Indian Orchard resident. Bill was a 1966 graduate of Technical High School. After graduating, he served in the Navy during the Vietnam War as an Aircraft Handler Airman aboard the USS America, serving two tours. Bill retired after 22 years from Springfield College, and was known by many there as, “The Legend”. A member of the Massachusetts Baseball Umpires Association, he officiated games for high schools and local youth leagues for over 35 years. Bill was also a member of the American Legion Post 277 in Indian Orchard. He was an avid movie buff of all genres; collector of DVD’s, and enjoyed listening to music.

Bill was passionate about being an umpire. He loved being a part of the game that he coached for many years. He coached his son for several years, leading to some of the best memories of his life.  He loved being able to instruct new umpires and give pointers to players on the field. Bill was also a huge Bruins fan and enjoyed attending games at The Garden with his nephews, children and granddaughters. Known to his friends as Spaz or “The Doctor”, he was always the life of the party. Always loud, spirited and full of life, Bill made everyone laugh and many thought he missed his calling as a stand-up comedian. He loved being the center of attention. Bill loved to go out to dinner and was very fit despite his snacking habits. He enjoyed his daughter’s baked goods with his nightly cup of tea. Bill loved playing poker with his son, their dinners together and discussing all things sports. With his daughter, Bill could be found shopping and sharing their excitement for the Bruins. Bill was a wonderful father in law, always hanging out with and supporting his son in law. Spaz loved playing cards, ping pong, pool and going to dinner with friends. Despite all of Bill’s interests, nothing mattered more to him than his Granddaughter’s, Catharine and Kelsey, whom he called His Beauties. The sun rose and set with them, in his eyes. He was their number one cheerleader on the sidelines of all of their sporting events and activities. “Grampy” loved teaching them to fish, play pool and card games, and vacationing with them at the Cape.  He was proud of them in everything that they did and cherished the fact that they got his blue eyes. He lived his life to make theirs better.          

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, William R. Quinn of  Indian Orchard and Carol Brennan and her husband Scott of Wilbraham; his grandchildren, Catharine and Kelsey Brennan; and his siblings: Kathleen Albro of Feeding Hills, Donal Quinn (Cindy) of Springfield, Barbara Martin (Ron) of Greer, SC, Paul Quinn (Maryanne) of Ludlow, Sandra Quinn of Springfield, Kevin Quinn of Springfield, Brian Quinn (Andrea) of Springfield, Maureen Gerrmann (Bart) of Springfield, and Joanne Boilard (Chris) of Andover. He also leaves sisters-in-law, Diane Dryjowicz (John) of Ludlow, Mary Sakowski of Indian Orchard, and Carol Maynard of Palmer; numerous nieces and nephews, other family members and countless friends. Bill was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth (Taylor) Quinn in 2022; granddaughters Elizabeth (2003) and Rosie (2007) Brennan; sisters Susan Clark and Mary Quinn; brothers-in-law, James Clark, Albert Albro, and Robert Sakowski; sister-in-law Lisa Quinn; and a nephew Cory Quinn.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023 from 4-7pm at Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services, 15 Ludlow Ave., Indian Orchard. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 18, 2023 assembling at the funeral home at 9am and proceeding to St. Cecilia Church, 42 Main St., Wilbraham for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am. Burial will follow at St. Aloysius Cemetery in Indian Orchard. To express online condolences, please visit www.nowakfuneral.com.

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