William D. Quinell

Brookdale – William D. Quinell, Jr., 69, passed away February 27, 2013, at Canton Potsdam Hospital, with his family by his side. Arrangements are entrusted with the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. William was born on October 27, 1943 in Helena, son of the late William D. and Marie (Hallahan) Quinell, Sr. He was educated in the Helena District School and graduated from St. Lawrence Central. He served his country in the U. S. Army and upon discharge, began his career at ALCOA. Bill went to work at Massena Lincoln Mercury, General Motors then St. Lawrence Central where he was Superintendant of Buildings, Grounds and Transportation, retiring in 2005. He was a member of the American Legion Post #514 in Winthrop and the American Legion in Norwood. Bill was an outdoorsman; fishing, hunting, driving the ATV with his granddaughter and dogs or just working on building the farm. His happiest days after retirement, was raising beef and chickens with Nancy, providing products that were local and sustainable, relating back to his childhood. Bill was a kindhearted, strong and determined man, putting others before himself, always embracing friendships and family. He enjoyed their home and time in the kitchen, creating unique recipes that the “Self Proclaimed Gourmet” was very proud of. Bill embraced his family and second family faithfully and counted his blessings daily. Bill is survived by his chosen life partner, Nancy Lynch; two children, Catherine and Jeffrey Henry and Wm. David Quinell, III, all of Helena; his two chosen sons, Kevin Wells of Brasher Falls and Mark Wells of Latham; his three grandchildren, Kayla Viau, Jenna Quinell and Hannah Henry; his sister, Ann and James Dawson of Helena and brother in law, Dwayne “Bud” Stewart of Massena; Nancy’s parents, Leo and Jean Lynch of Brookdale; his chosen brothers and sisters, Mike and Debbie Lynch of Westport, Patrick and Sara Lynch of Brookdale, Connie Pike and Doug Belt of Brookdale, Mary Jane and Bruce Wilkins of Peru, Maureen and Mike Bradish of West Chazy, and Dennis Lynch of Webster; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by the mother of his children, Marie Mahoney Quinell; one brother, Robert H. Quinell and one sister, Kaye L. Stewart. Visitation will be held Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 at the funeral home. William’s Funeral Service and Celebration of Life will be Saturday at 11 am at the funeral home with Fr. Amyotte officiating. Burial will be in Brookdale Cemetery. Those wishing to express an act of kindness, please consider memorials in William’s name to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, Inc., 6805 US Hwy 11, Potsdam, NY 13676 or your local Humane Society. Memories and condolences can be shared with his family at www.hammillfh.com.