Closing of Quinn Funeral Home saddens families served there for generations
Perhaps it’s the Irish coming out in me, but the recent closing of the Quinn Funeral Home felt like a gut punch.
Three years ago, Quinn Funeral Home, under the direction of Bill Lyden, merged with Burton Funeral Homes to become part of Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services. The home of Quinn’s, located at West Ninth and Liberty streets for the past 80 years, was sold last month to Erie United Methodist Alliance.
More: Quinn Funeral Home will close. It will be sold to an Erie nonprofit.
From a business standpoint, the sale makes sense. Burton Quinn Scott President Peter Burton pointed out they had two buildings located within a block of each other.
But for families that for generations had buried loved ones out of Quinn’s, the news was difficult to digest. My wife’s first reaction upon hearing about the sale was: “What will happen to me? That was my funeral home.” And I must admit I felt the same way.
Jack Quinn, who preceded Lyden as longtime director of Quinn’s, had a marvelous way with grieving families. I’ve told this story before, but when my mother died ― exactly 15 years after the death of my father ― Quinn said, “I know what happened. After 15 years in purgatory, Gene finally got word that he was heading to heaven. They said, ‘How do you want to get there?'” And your father replied, ‘How about if Pat drives me.’” Because Dad never drove, my mother was his personal chauffeur. I can’t tell you how good that little story made me feel at a difficult time.
On the last night before Dad was buried, Jack even threw a big party for him ― an Irish wake, if you will ― in his garage at the funeral home. It was the first time I ever tasted Irish whiskey, and the memory remains pretty sweet.
The funeral industry is changing, and Lyden, a great guy, remains in business, albeit at a different place. But I feel the loss of the home where we bid farewell to so many family members and friends.
More: Erie funeral home business isn't dying, but it is changing
● It’s sad driving past the former Hector’s Café/La Bella at 18th and Liberty streets and seeing the building vacant. A sign in front says it’s for lease. I still dream of the homemade spaghetti and pasta fagiole made expertly for so many years by the late Angie DiTullio and her staff at Hector’s.
At last report, La Bella’s Harry Miller said he planned to remain in the catering business.
2022: Here is why la bella restaurant and catering is closing. What's next for its owner?
● Directors of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership believe that a low-cost airline could be considering a move to Erie International Airport. It was a blow when United Airlines recently announced it would leave Erie. After so much money was spent to improve the airport and its runway, United’s decision seemed unfair. Friends who often flew from Erie to Chicago seemed surprised, because those flights always seemed so crowded.
More: United Airlines will end service at Erie International Airport beginning in June
● Finnell Farms, located on Route 20 between Harborcreek and North East, will celebrate its 75th anniversary this year. The fourth and fifth generations of Finnells now run the farm and its popular fruit and vegetable stand. They say some exciting things are in the works to mark the special anniversary.
History: Finnell Family Fruit Stand
● Sorry to hear that Vilma Paterniti died recently at 93. For years, she volunteered in so many capacities at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, which was located across Wallace Street from where Vilma and her family lived. She was a beautiful woman in so many ways and raised a fine family.
● Bill Welch sends word that Erie County Veterans Memorial Park will host a major celebration on Memorial Day. The park, located across State Street from Veterans Stadium, has grown in recent years and attracts visitors and veterans from across the region. It’s well worth a visit.
Related: New-to-Erie nonprofit will offer housing and career services, other supports for veterans
● Sports Illustrated recently ranked all of the major league baseball parks, and Pittsburgh’s PNC Park was No. 1. It’s a well-deserved honor. Cleveland’s Progressive Field was listed at 23rd, which seemed kind of low.
● The MeTV website recently carried a flattering story on Erie’s Ann B. Davis, who played Alice Nelson, the maid on “The Brady Bunch.” She also won Emmy Awards for her role as Schultzy on “The Bob Cummings Show.” Davis, who died at 88 in 2014, graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1944.
● Officials from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, seemed genuinely saddened when former Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott recently left his post as city manager to return to Erie County as director of the new economic development department. Sinnott had served Cleveland Heights for only a year.
More: Former Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott hired as county economic development director
● Best wishes to all during Holy Week, which began on Palm Sunday and will conclude on Easter Sunday. Hope the weather’s nice.
Kevin Cuneo can be reached at kevin.cuneo1844@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Quinn Funeral Home closing in Erie PA sensible but hard to absorb
