John Vincent Quirin
July 6, 1940 – May 3, 2023
John Vincent Quirin, 82, formerly of Etters, PA, entered the loving presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 3, 2023, at Canyon Vista Medical Center in Sierra Vista, AZ, after a short illness. His family was at his bedside.
John was born in Pottsville, PA, on July 6, 1940, to the late Vincent Quirin and Helen (Padamonsky) Quirin. For two years prior to his 1959 graduation from St. Clair High School, John served in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Following graduation, he served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1961.
As a member of the commissioning crew, John was a “plank owner” aboard the CLG-6, U.S.S. Providence, a guided missile cruiser serving with the Pacific Fleet. John was an ordnance storekeeper and attained the rank of Petty Officer Third Class.
Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Pennsylvania, learned the printing trade, and worked in Harrisburg as a printer for the State of Pennsylvania for 40 years, culminating in a supervisory position. He married the former Bonnie J. Artz, of St. Clair, PA, on December 22, 1962; they had one son, Jeffrey John. Following their retirements, John and Bonnie moved to Arizona in 2004.
John enjoyed worldwide travel with Bonnie; they visited all seven continents, culminating in a trip to Antarctica, and collected unique works of art from around the world.
Since 1950, John was an avid militaria collector, a hobby he shared with his son. They enjoyed visiting militaria shows and flea markets together in search of unique additions to their collections. John loved animals; he enjoyed building birdhouses and birdfeeders, and he rescued and/or adopted cats both in Pennsylvania and Arizona.
In March 2023, John celebrated 50 years of membership in the Free and Accepted Masons (Perry Lodge No. 458, Marysville, Pa.).
In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his sisters, Evelyn Quirin and Joanne Quirin McBride. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, and his son, Jeff (Anne), of Patagonia, AZ.
At John’s request, no services will be held. Memorial donations may be made to the Santa Cruz Humane Society, Inc., 232 East Patagonia Highway, Nogales, AZ 85621 or the Tucson Wildlife Center, 13275 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85748.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Hatfield Funeral Home, Sierra Vista, AZ.