Kevin M. Quinan

Kevin Michael Quinan, age 78, of Middleton, Massachusetts, died peacefully at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, Massachusetts, on January 8, 2022 with his family by his side.

Kevin was born on January 29, 1943, in Keene, New Hampshire, to John Francis Quinan and Dorothy Cheney Quinan, who predeceased him. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Deborah Quinan, his daughter, Dana Quinan, his brother, John “Jack” Quinan, Jack’s wife, Sandra Firmin, his nephew, John Quinan, John’s wife, Pratima Rana, and his cousin, Carol Cudia. 

Kevin enjoyed a happy childhood and his teenage years in Keene, forming friendships that would last for his lifetime; some of them were among his most cherished relationships. His years at Keene High School were great fun, and he and his friends enjoyed reminiscing at reunions about all of the antics they got away with. After serving our country in the National Guard, Kevin graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1966. Following his father’s footsteps into the life insurance industry, he then had brief stints in pharmaceutical sales and construction, until he finally found his metier as an advertising copywriter. He made words sing, and excelled in his chosen career. While in advertising he met his wife, Deborah, and started a family. He left advertising to become a full-time dad to their daughter, Dana, whom he adored. He always said that raising Dana was his most meaningful achievement, and she reflects the love and devotion he bestowed on her. They shared a very close and special bond and the memories of their time together will help her navigate life throughout its twists and turns.

After many years as a full-time dad Kevin began to pursue artistic endeavors seriously in 2013, and found that, like his mother, he had a talent for oil painting. He exhibited his work at various North Shore art shows, winning awards and eventually developing a website so that he could share his paintings with family and friends. His style evolved from landscapes and figures into still lifes inspired by Bernard Cathelin, and an expressionistic style inspired by Juan Gris. He found great joy in, as he said, “combining line, form, shape and color in a composition that is engaging to look at, sometimes complex, often witty, always memorable.”

Kevin loved to cook, and he and Deborah entertained small groups of friends at their home over the years. They spent time together listening to music, collecting precious finds at New England antique shops, traveling, visiting museums and art galleries, and collecting paintings of their two favorite artists, both, coincidentally, from New Hampshire. Kevin’s greatest joy was seeing Dana develop similar passions and talents, and mentoring her as she developed her own writing and artistic skills while growing into a gracious young woman whom he was very proud of.

Kevin was diagnosed with gastroesophageal cancer in June 2020. After several surgeries and a valiant struggle, Kevin entered hospice in December 2021, and died at peace. He will be remembered as a smart, funny, handsome man who always came up with the perfect quip delivered in a gentle voice, with twinkling eyes and a loving smile. He loved with all his heart, and he will be sorely missed.  

Donations in Kevin’s memory may be made to Dana-Farber to benefit research into gastric cancer via https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2100&mfc_pref=T&2100.donation=form; to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, Danvers, Massachusetts, whose doctors, nurses and aides took wonderful care of him at the end, making sure he was always comfortable and free of pain, viahttps://www.caredimensions.org/giving/; and to the Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water Street, Newburyport, MA 01950 designated for The Kevin Quinan Memorial Scholarship or via https://form.jotform.com/211234874520147.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kevin M. Quinan, please visit our floral store.