It is with profound sadness that the Officers and Members of Local 17 announce the passing of Fr. Gavin Quinn, former Local 17 Chaplain. Fr. Gavin Quinn was a cherished member of the community, dedicated to his faith and his service to others. His legacy is deeply intertwined with the values and mission of Local 17, and his loss is felt deeply by all who knew him.
Fr. Gavin Quinn was the son of the late John Quinn, a respected member of Local 17, R#8276. His father’s commitment to the community and to the Local 17 family undoubtedly influenced Fr. Gavin’s own path of service. Fr. Gavin’s dedication to his vocation as a chaplain was marked by his compassion, wisdom, and unwavering support for those in need.
Fr. Gavin is survived by his brother, Jim Quinn, a retired member of Local 17, R#32289, and his nephews, James Quinn, an active member of Local 17, R#84856, and Emmett Quinn, also an active member of Local 17, R#76613. The Quinn family has a long-standing history of involvement with Local 17, and their contributions have been invaluable to the community.
To honor Fr. Gavin Quinn’s life and legacy, there will be a visitation on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 4:30 PM, followed by a funeral mass at 7:00 PM. Both the visitation and funeral mass will be held at St. Therese Shrine, located at 8501 Bailey Rd., Darien, IL. This will be an opportunity for family, friends, and community members to come together to remember and celebrate the life of a man who dedicated himself to serving others.
Fr. Gavin Quinn’s contributions as a chaplain were marked by his deep empathy, spiritual guidance, and the comfort he provided to countless individuals. His presence in the community will be sorely missed, but his legacy of kindness and service will continue to inspire those who knew him.
Here is what some had to say about him.Catherine O'Connell
In the summer of '95 I was asked to sing for a child's funeral; pretty far along in my third pregnancy, hormones churning, I was struggling to keep it together.
The presider was Fr. Gavin Quinn, I had had the pleasure of working with Fr Gavin for years, but as I look back on that day, he delivered a master class in compassion, faith, hope and courage.
In the moment, Fr Gavin modeled what I needed to lead prayer and give whatever comfort I could in the face of the family's overwhelming grief.
So much so, I left that Mass wondering 'Could I raise a child that caring and courageous, articulate and inciteful? I don't know, but I'll start by naming him Gavin.'
So began another phase of our friendship as Fr Gavin always asked about Gavin the Lesser! (Can't you just hear him?)
Being a singer around the city, I always looked forward to Fr Gavin's Masses, he never failed to cast a few pearls of 'Gavinisms' into the liturgy to carry with us as we 'went out into the world to love and serve the Lord'.
When babies fretted at a funeral, he would calm the parents saying 'it's just God showing us life goes on!'
How many weddings did I hear him say 'Let hospitality be the watchword of your home -y ou know the root of guest and host is the same in Greek, the essence of hospitality is to make people so welcome they all wait on each other.'
Always comforting, always teaching; but never afraid to call us on our BS!
Gavin the Lesser is still a bit of a 'divil' but spouts maxims, songs, poems and gives an awesome toast (Starting his own collection of Gavinisms).
Fr. Gavin, please pray for him and give him a little guidance if you can, as you have guided so many of us.
Farewell, good and faithful friend, may the good Lord hold you in the palm of his hand and not squeeze you too tight!
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, pray for us!
Requiescat in pace.Keith Killacky
He was our pastor @ Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Darien, Il. He would talk about his relatives in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Great Carmelite priest. RIP.Pete Donaghue
Great tribute to a well-deserving man . He along with so many at Mt Carmel, Fr Wilson , Fr Mike ,Fr Dillon taught us all to care, love and grow with compassion. Thank you Fr for your teaching and example.Mimi Kotowski Simon
He was a great priest and a wonderful human. A sermon he gave at a tough funeral is still in my thoughts today. God blessRick Rundle
After knowing Fr. Gavin for 55 years meeting him in a neighbor’s basement some 55 years ago thinking about him, the ways he changed, in my mind’s eye. But he didn’t, we matured. If anything he taught me was, “Life Is Not a Rehearsal”. His words were always comforting.
Father Gavin Quinn Has Passed on July 17th: Remembered by Many
