Submitted by: Dan Rich
Roger Jerome Quinlan Sr.
South Bend Tribune 7/17/2005
Roger Jerome Quinlan Sr., 78, born September 28, 1926, in South Bend, Ind., to Mae Rogers Quinlan and Leo Jerome Quinlan. He served in the Navy as a radio technician during World War II, attended Purdue University, graduated Northwestern University with a degree in industrial engineering, and was a proud fraternity member of Delta Tau Delta.
He wed Ann Therese Bigelow on June 15, 1957, in Minneapolis, Minn., to whom he was married until her death in 1997. He worked for the Studebaker Corporation, Pillsbury Corporation, and Miles Laboratories where he rose to the position of vice president of manufacturing and key pharmaceuticals. In retirement, among other activities, he tutored math and science students at Broward Community College in south Florida. He was active throughout his career in many community efforts including starting the Young Republicans group in Elkhart, IN. He advocated for the disabled his entire life, including working to develop Aux Chandelles, a school for children with disabilities (now part of ADEC), and serving as president of the statewide Indiana Association for Retarded Citizens (IARC).
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ann, and dear daughter, Mary. He is survived by loving family: his son, Roger (Karen), son, Kevin (Mary Ann), daughter, Joan Wielock (Steven), daughter, Catherine Heaney (Colm), daughter, Elizabeth; and 10 adoring grandchildren, Ryan, Leann, Brian, Matthew, Michele, Lauren, Ananda, Aine, Liam and Ciaran.
The wake will be held Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday in the McGann Funeral Home, 2313 E. Edison Road, South Bend, Ind. The funeral Mass and commitment rites are scheduled for Tuesday, July 19, at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church, 211 N. St. Louis Blvd., South Bend, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Marian Center, 15701 NW 37th Ave., Opa Locka, FL 33054.