Obituary of Patrick Michael Quinn

Patrick Michael Quinn passed away unexpectedly on October 17, 2020 in Bangor, Maine. His death, due to an accidental overdose after nine years of living clean and sober, is a great tragedy and unimaginable loss to our family. Patrick was born in Queens, New York on October 8, 1974, the second child of Patrick Thomas and Mary Ellen (Murphy) Quinn.

Patrick graduated from Hampden Academy in 1993. His creative gifts led him to NESCOM at Husson University, where he graduated with an Associates Degree in May 1995. After working locally at WABI, he moved to NY where he obtained a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts-Film & Theatre from Long Island University in May 1998. He loved his work on campus at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, as a lighting designer and technician.

While working at Scholastic Inc., Manhattan, NY as an audio/visual technician, Patrick witnessed the horrific events of 9/11 and, from the rooftop of his workplace, photographed the falling towers. This traumatic experience drove him to leave NYC and move to California where he pursued a career in Film Production. He later returned home to Maine and New York, working various jobs in his field over the next fifteen years.

Patrick brought great joy to his family and friends! From the beginning “Paddy” was a spirited youngster, who loved outdoor play, riding bikes, and climbing trees. His bright smile, generous heart & spirit for fun and adventure was contagious. As a young man, he followed DMB and Phish throughout the Northeast. He loved spending time in nature, camping out and watching the stars. He was a talented carpenter, painter, chef, and gardener. Patrick embraced a spiritual path focused on love, compassion, meditation, mindfulness, and gratitude.

Throughout his adult life, Patrick struggled with addiction. This unrelenting disease hijacks the brain and robs people of their hopes and dreams. He made every effort to build a meaningful life. His strength and courage shone through, in spite of societal attitudes that promote punishment rather than treatment for this medical illness.

His last six years were spent here with his sister Kristen and her family in Hermon and with his parents in Winterport. Patrick consistently expressed his enormous love for his family and gratitude for time spent with them. “Uncle Paddy” was loved dearly by his niece Jillian and nephew Ryan, going fishing, bicycling, boating, to sporting events, music concerts, creating karaoke and photography sessions.

He will be missed just as fiercely as he was and is loved! We know Patrick is resting in the arms of a loving, compassionate, and merciful God.

Patrick was predeceased by his grandparents, Therese and Patrick Quinn; Kathleen and Michael Murphy all of NY; an Uncle Michael Murphy of FL, and a very special cousin, Jesse Sean O’Reilly of NY.

He is survived by his parents, his sister Kristen, her husband Craig Shorey, their children Jillian and Ryan; his Aunt Therese Quinn; his Aunt Pat and Uncle Jim Howley; Uncle Frank Murphy and Ann Fenichel all of NY; Aunt Carole Murphy of FL; his treasured cousins: Kathleen Maloney of CT, Megan McCormack of NY, Daniel Howley of CO, Rachel Berlingieri of NY, and Clare Murphy of NY, as well as his best lifelong friend, Jesse Morang.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: The Bangor Area Recovery Network (BARN) 142 Center Street, Brewer, ME 04412

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1 PM Monday, November 2, 2020, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 768 Ohio St., Bangor. The Mass is open for those who would like to attend but, because of gathering size restrictions due to COVID, sign up in advance is required. Those wishing to attend will need to register online by clicking the link below:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C49AAA92AA4F94-funeral

Masks and physical distancing are required at the church. A live stream of the Mass is available by clikcing on the link below and then on the St. Mary’s feed:

https://stpaulbangor.me/watch-mass-live

Any questions in regards to attending the services or the live stream should be directed to the church at (207) 945-5018.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer of 2021 so all can gather to remember our precious Patrick. Messages and memories may be shared at kileyandfoley.com

Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor.