Michael B. Quinn

 Michael B. Quinn, 75, of Lake Ariel, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center following a brief illness. He was surrounded by his devoted wife of 33 years, Noreen (Brady) Quinn, and their two daughters, Kathleen and Bridget.

Born in Scranton on February 13, 1950, Michael "Mike" was the son of the late Thomas R. Quinn and Isabelle M. Walsh. A 1968 graduate of Scranton Central High School, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1969. After serving as an enlisted member for four years, he was determined to pursue a career as an aviator. He returned to Scranton, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Scranton in 1976, and he completed Officer Candidate School that same year. After graduating flight training in Pensacola, he pinned on his "wings of gold" in May of 1979. Mike served as a Lieutenant and Naval Aviator in the Coast Guard until 1989.

During his military career, Mike was stationed at Coast Guard Air Stations Miami and San Francisco, where he flew search and rescue missions as a helicopter pilot. He was the recipient of multiple Coast Guard Commendation Medals in recognition of his heroism, leadership, and meritorious service. After his service, he enjoyed serving as an active member of the Ancient Order of the Pterodactyl (Coast Guard Aviation Association).

Following his military service, Mike continued his aviation career as a commercial and private pilot for over 30 years. He flew domestically for Pennsylvania Airlines, Allegheny Airlines and US Airways, and internationally for North American Airlines. Mike was an expert aviator: He served as a captain for both commercial and charter airlines, logged nearly 25,000 total flight hours (13,000 hours as pilot-in-command), and was type rated in eleven aircraft. Aviation was his passion. His love for flying was felt by all, and he made hundreds of lifelong friends along the way.

Beyond the flight deck, Mike was an active member of his community. At St. Thomas More Parish in Lake Ariel, he served as a lector and eucharistic minister, and he was recently elected to the Pastoral Council. He also volunteered as a poll worker for Wayne County elections.

A naturalist at heart, he was most often found in nature, planting trees and gardening, building bird boxes, identifying birds, or biking and kayaking along the Delaware River and other local waterways. Rain or shine, he would go for a daily bike ride, cleaning up debris along the way. An avid adventurer, he found great joy in exploring and sharing his love of the outdoors with his family by going on hikes, taking them up for plane rides in "bug smashers," skiing, and SCUBA diving. He was known for his adventurous spirit, warm smile, quick wit and humor, and most of all, his kindness.

Most important to him, Mike was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife, Noreen; his daughters, Kathleen Hall and husband Connor of Camp Hill, and Bridget Quinn of Lake Ariel; and his cherished grandson, Robert "Bobby" Hall.

He is also survived by his siblings: Ann Summa (Dunmore), Winifred Reap and husband Theodore (Pittston), Katie Christopher and husband Michael (York), Ellen St. Clair and husband Michael (New Hampshire), Angie Maloney and husband Brian (Scranton), Patrick Quinn and wife Patti (Georgia), Mary Quinn (Georgia), and Donald Quinn (Scranton); as well as stepbrothers Ambassador James Walsh and wife Marion (Florida), Stephen Walsh and wife Ellen (Massachusetts), and Richard Walsh and wife Sandy (California). He is also survived by sisters-in-law Dana Quinn and Re Quinn.

Mike was preceded in death by five brothers: Michael, Thomas, Francis, Martin, and Timothy Quinn.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Tuesday, July 1, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at James Wilson Funeral Home, 143 Gravity Road, Lake Ariel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 2, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas More Church, 105 Gravity Road, Lake Ariel, by his cousin, Monsignor Joseph G. Quinn, and Father Stephen K. Bosomafi. Interment will follow at St. Catherine's Cemetery in Moscow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Arbor Day Foundation to plant trees in his honor.