Richard John Quinton, age 91, passed away at the home of his daughter, Joy, in Forest, VA, on Sunday, June 22, 2014.
He entered the world on March 6, 1923 in Somerville, MA, the second of three children born to John and Rose (Meda) Quintiliani.
The family later moved to Quincy, MA where Richard enjoyed boating, sailing, and an annual swim in Blacks Creek on his March birthday. After graduating from Quincy High School in 1940 he worked at the Fore River Shipyard before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1942. Upon completing the Naval Flight Preparatory School (V-5 program), he proudly served as a Naval Aviator engaged in anti-submarine patrol during WWII and remained on active duty until 1947.
During the next eight years he attended the University of Massachusetts, receiving a B.S. degree in 1951, and Cornell University, where he was awarded a Ph.D. in Entomology in 1955. His extensive scientific training was first applied in the position of Research Entomologist with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven. Beginning in 1962, he was the Manager of Forestry and Conservation for 12 years with the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company, a water utility in southern Connecticut. Besides managing watershed quality for BHC, he oversaw the operation of the popular Aspetuck Valley Orchards in Easton, CT. In his later years he combined his keen knowledge of plants with his creative vision, enjoying a long career as a landscape designer based in Milford, CT.
Throughout his life, Richard particularly enjoyed music (he sang for many years in the choir of the Congregational Church of Easton, CT), collecting and reading books (there was no such thing as enough books), visiting historical sites, and exploring the natural world.
He spent his final years in Forest, Virginia, where at the age of 87 he participated in the Virginia Master Naturalist program.
He is survived by his older sister, Louise Darcy, of Quincy, MA; he was preceded in death by his younger brother Paul, of Weymouth, MA. Richard is especially missed by his longtime friend and companion, Jeanne Millett of Milford, CT; son Noel and his wife Ann of Freedom, NH; and daughter Joy Rochow and her husband Richard (“Hawk”) of Forest, VA. He was very proud of his five grandchildren: Andrew and Emily Quinton; and Jim, David and Elizabeth Rochow.
On Saturday, August 9, at 11:00 AM, a remembrance celebration of Richard’s long life and his many talents will be held at the residence of Jeanne Millett in Milford, CT.
Richard John Quinton