Edwin J. Quinn, 81

Dr Edwin J. Quinn, 81, of Lancaster, entered into Eternal Rest on August 20, 2008 following a short illness.

Edwin was the husband of Marie Pace Quinn, with whom he celebrated 44 years of marriage this past April 18^th. Born in Batavia, IL, he was the son of the late Edwin J. and Rose Peters Quinn.

He was a graduate of the Marmion Military Academy in Aurora, IL, was a 1951 graduate of St. Procopius College in Lisle, IL, and studied at the Ohio State University under a research fellowship.  He earned his MS degree from the University of Illinois. Edwin then studied at Syracuse University and the State University of New York at Syracuse, where he earned  Ph.D’sin Polymer Chemistry from both institutions.

Dr. Quinn began his career at Blockson Chemical Co. in Joliet, IL, then went to work for the Naugatuck Chemical Division of US Rubber Co. in Naugatuck, CT. Joining Armstrong World Industries in 1964, Dr Quinn retired in 1993 as a Principal Scientist. During his time at Armstrong, he received Armstrong’s Innovation Award for patterned heat welding rods for seaming resilient floors. Dr Quinn was the holder of 28 US patents and 50 foreign patents. He was an author of over 40 paperswhich were presented at various scientific meetings. He was involved in the development of many Armstrong commercial products such as Crosswalk, Medintech, and Standards Choice Flooring.

Edwin was an emeritus member of the American Chemical Society (ACS), where he served on the MARM Steering Committee from 1974 to 1992. He was the former circulation manager for the SE section of the ACS. Dr Quinn enjoyed speaking to students about careers in science and served as a judge of the chemistry division of the Lancaster Newspapers Science and Engineering Fair from 1993 to 2008. Also a member of the Lancaster-Lebanon Science and Technology Alliance, he participated in talks and demonstrations in elementary schools.

Edwin was a charter member of the St. John Neumann Knights of ColumbusCouncil 12532and served as its recording secretary. He was also a member of the  4^th degree Knights, Santa Maria Assembly.

He was a member of St John Neumann Catholic Church, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and Sacristan, served on the Food Bank, Nursing Home, Church Bazaar and Photography Committees. He was also a member of the St. Anne-Neumann Seniors serving as treasurer of the travel group.

Dr Quinn had served as the former president and program chairperson of the Serra Club of Lancaster.

Enlisting in 1945, Edwin served in the US Army in World War II, entering the Reserves after the war, gaining an officers commission, and retiring in 1964 as a Captain.

In addition to his wife, Dr Quinn is survived by his son, Christopher J. married to Marilyn Quinn of Chesterfield, NJ; his two daughters: Ann M. Quinn-Saccoccioof Warwick, RI and Barbara J. married to Christopher Bennett of Lancaster, and by his 5 grandchildren, to whom he was deeply devoted: Thomas J. Saccoccio, Marissa and Samantha Bennett, and Cameron and Aidan Quinn. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter Jordan Grace Quinn, a brother James Quinn, and his first wife Mary E. Janakis Quinn.

Friends will be received on Sunday from 6-8PM at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home  and Chapel, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA, with a Christian Prayer Service at 730PM. Friends may call again on Monday at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Rd., Lancaster, PA  17601 from 10-11AM, with the Mass to be celebrated at 11AM. Interment in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in his memory to The Dominican Sisters of the Perpetual Rosary, 1834 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601,    Heartland Hospice, 217 Granite Run Dr., Suite 200, Lancaster, PA  17601 or to the St. John Neumann Catholic Church Parish Health Ministry at the above church address. To send an online condolence, please visit www.snyderfuneralhome.com