Joseph D. Quinn

February 26, 1926 - February 24, 2022

Quinn, Joseph D. born in Minneapolis 2/26/1926 and passed away 2/24/2022. Only child of Joseph D. Quinn Sr. and Marie Quinn. Raised in South Minneapolis. Graduated Roosevelt HS. WWII era Veteran. Minneapo lis Fire Department for 43 years. Owner of J & D Industrial Services. Mason and Master of Hennepin Lodge #4, Treasurer of the Minneapolis Fireman's Pension Fund, a member of the boards of directors and advisors to the Shriner's Children's Hospital (because of their burn unit) and The Salvation Army, as well as other charitable and civic organizations. Preceded in death by his parents and former wife of 34 years, M. Mary Quinn. Survived by his seven children: Mary Jo (Scott) Rynchek, Jim Quinn, Nancy A. Quinn, Dan (Nancy J.) Quinn, Pat (Susan) Quinn, Kathleen Quinn, John Quinn as well as seven grandchildren and (currently) five great grandchildren. Having elected early graduation from HS he enlisted in the Army Air Corp. Upon return to civilian life, he followed his father's and great uncle's path onto the Minneapolis Fire Department where he served 43 years attaining the rank of Captain while also serving as a relief Battalion Chief. He received multiple awards by the Minneapolis Fire Department, The City of Minneapolis and The American Red Cross for Valor and Heroism while performing lifesaving rescues. His official record may never be eclipsed. Those that rode fire trucks with him had great stories, some involving his actions which were never officially recognized, but were known to those he served with and by those he helped (jumping into the Mississippi River at night to grab an attempted suicide and being pulled out a mile downstream, going back into a burning house to rescue a second child from an upstairs bedroom, running into a cloud of chlorine gas to pull out an unconscious victim and other stories as well!). He did not talk about the amount of tragedy and pain he witnessed nor about those they could not save but those experiences drove him to do whatever was possible to help others. Even when his rank and seniority would have allowed him to serve at a quiet fire station, he elected to serve at Station 19 by the University of Minnesota which was one of the busiest stations in the city. He loved the action and served until his mandatory retirement age of 65. He was one of the last of another era. When he started in the service firemen rode in open cabs and stood on the running boards of the firetrucks holding onto a strap. Their protection was black rubber coats and boots, no air tanks and they used wood ladders. When he retired, computerization was occurring, changed building codes and fire detection systems were commonplace, and the protective clothing and other tools had changed firefighting forever. He retired his badge #1 when he left the MFD. He was always proud his third son joined the Tucson Fire Department attaining the rank of Battalion Chief and keeping up a Quinn family tradition of fire service dating back to 1876. In addition to his career as a Fire Fighter he started and operated J & D Industrial Services which steam cleaned building exteriors, refurbished damaged building interiors, sand blasted and painted above ground storage tanks but most importantly cleaned below ground fuel storage tanks where he pioneered initiatives to mitigate soil and water contamination from leaking fuel tanks. He employed many off-duty firemen, and supported his large family very comfortably, first in a classic home by Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis, and in 1967, building a custom home in Edina. Despite his success as a business owner, he never stepped away from his true passion of firefighting and helping others in dire circumstances. Holding only a formal HS diploma he was self-taught in many trades for construction, electrical, plumbing, pipefitting, and pressure vessels while attaining the designation of a Millwright. A strong believer in education as a path to a better life he and his wife Mary supported their seven children to pursue college educations. Between his children and grandchildren there are (currently) 19 Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral degrees in Law, Medicine, Engineering, Education, Business, and other disciplines. His joy was first his family followed closely by his service to the community. In retirement he also cherished his winters spent in Hawaii with close friends and the new friends he met while there. He lived a long and successful life in many ways and there is no sadness nor regrets at his passing. We welcome those friends and family who wish to join us in this celebration of life! Services will be held at 11 AM Saturday, March 5th at Washburn McReavy Hillside Chapel and Cemetery, 2610 19th Ave NE, Minneapolis. Visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice. Washburn-McReavy.com Hillside Chapel 612-781-1999