EAST LIVERPOOL - Bernard Quinlan, 93, of Cannons Mill Road, died Saturday morning June 23, 2012 at East Liverpool City Hospital following a long life and a short illness. His wife of 52 years, the former Ann Allison, died June 20, 2009. They were married on June 15, 1957.

Born on the family farm in Port Homer, outside Wellsville, Ohio on February 21, 1919, he was the son of the late Reginald Quinlan and Amelia (Kotzur) Quinlan. He was a life-long area resident and member of the Holy Trinity Parish, formerly Saint Aloysius Community Parish.

A 1937 graduate of Wellsville High School, Bernard served in the Pacific in World War II with the 100th Service Squadron of the 5th Air Force, having achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. In the 1980’s, he helped establish the 100th Service Squadron Association, bringing the squadron’s members back together to visit historical sites across the country and reminisce about the times they shared. Bernard never missed a reunion.

Beginning his career with the Sayre Electric Company in 1940, he was an electrician who was well-known for his craftsmanship. In the late 1960s, he started Kustum Kontrols Company, specializing in burglar and fire alarms. Although he slowed his work pace in the late 1990’s, he reluctantly retired in 2006 at the age of 87, having worked in this area for over 65 years.

Bernard and his wife, Ann, enjoyed traveling around the country and to locations across the globe, including Switzerland, Mexico, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, England, Austria, and, most recently, Ireland. They honeymooned on the island of Bermuda and subsequently returned on their 15th, 30th and 45th anniversaries.

He is survived by his daughter, Carol Cowan and her husband, Bill, of East Liverpool, along with sons: David Quinlan and his wife, Renee, of Grapevine, TX; Thomas Quinlan and his wife, Jennifer, of Columbus; and James Quinlan, Ph.D. and his companion, Bethany Haeseler, of Portland, ME.

Additionally, there are eight grandchildren: Matthew, Tyler, and Zachary Cowan; Michael Quinlan; Alison, Mackenzie, and Cassandra Quinlan; and Hannah Quinlan.

A sister, Norine Dickey of Rockford, IL and several nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his wife and parents, Bernard was also preceded in death by his infant twin daughters, Mary and Martha Quinlan, as well as a brother, Paul Quinlan.

Friends may visit Tuesday afternoon and evening at the Dawson Funeral Home, where the family will be present from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.

The funeral service will be held at Dawson’s at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday with close family friend, Rev. Gary Schreckengost officiating. Those wishing to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to honor Bernard’s more than 60-year membership at the Holy Trinity/St. Aloysius Parish may join the family at the 9:15 a.m. Mass on Wednesday at the church, with Father Peter Haladej as the celebrant.

Burial will take place in Columbiana County Memorial Park, where full military honors will be provided by the Tri-State Veterans Burial Group.

Following the services, family and friends will gather at the Dawson Family Center.

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