1940
Mr.
2018
Mr. Francis Quinlan
November 10, 1940 — January 17, 2018
Francis J. "Frank" Quinlan, 77, of Lansdowne, PA passed away peacefully on January 17, 2018. Born in Havertown, PA. He was the son of the late Francis and Frances (nee Sweeney) Quinlan.
Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Jan M. Supco, his daughter, Mary Blong (George), his loving granddaughter, Michele Amato (Joe), and his great-grandchildren, Alexis and Dominic Amato. He is also survived by his Aunt Joan McPeak, two brothers Joe (Margaret, son Kerry) of CA, Jack (Wendy-deceased, children Amber (Steve) and John), deceased sister Mary Gilroy (Jim), sons Jimmy (Christine), John (Robin), Mike (Margie), Danny (Jen), brother in-law David, deceased sister in-law Carolann, son Lance and Michael Supco (Elena, daughters Brandyn, Demi) of AZ, .
Frank's career began as a stagehand in IATSE Local 8 where he was a 50 year member. He worked at the Erlanger, Locust Street Theater, Shubert Theater, Academy of Music before taking a house job at the Living Arts Theater.
Upon the recommendation of his friend John Duncan he took a position with the PA Ballet as head master carpenter in 1967. Then with permission from his Uncle Mike Sweeney he travelled with the ballet. A great mentor in his life was his Uncle Charlie Boyle. His life dream was to open a scenic shop which came to fruition in the 1970's. After 40 years he retired in 2013. His studio was one of the first scenic shops in Philadelphia. He worked with many notable designers such as Rouben Ter-Arutunian, Jose Verona, Eugene Lee, Eldon Elder and Franco Calveccio. His company produced theatrical sets not only for Philadelphia but for all over the United States before he transitioned into the exhibit field, NY toy fairs and museums. He produced permament museum exhibits for the Independence Seaport Museum, Penn Museum, The Franklin Institute, The Fred Rogers visitor center, Academey of Natural Science and multiple successful central features for Philadelphia Horticultural Society.He worked closely with Lou Spezial and the Ferko String Band productions and numerous Ripely Believe it or not. His company produced the first revolving stage and sets for QVC and the first Live Aid and Farm Aid venues.
Besides his passion for his work he loved his Augustinian upbringing, college basketball, football and especially vegetable and flower gardening.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 9:00-10:30 AM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike (cor. Lynn Blvd.), Upper Darby, PA (610) 449-0300 followed by his Funeral Service at 10:30 AM. Internment private.
In Frank's memory contributions may be sent to Ballet NJ- 401 Bloomfield Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091 or Philadelphia Horticultural Society- Floor 5, 100 N. 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
The Donohue Funeral Home
8401 West Chester Pike Upper Darby 19082, United States
Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Jan M. Supco, his daughter, Mary Blong (George), his loving granddaughter, Michele Amato (Joe), and his great-grandchildren, Alexis and Dominic Amato. He is also survived by his Aunt Joan McPeak, two brothers Joe (Margaret, son Kerry) of CA, Jack (Wendy-deceased, children Amber (Steve) and John), deceased sister Mary Gilroy (Jim), sons Jimmy (Christine), John (Robin), Mike (Margie), Danny (Jen), brother in-law David, deceased sister in-law Carolann, son Lance and Michael Supco (Elena, daughters Brandyn, Demi) of AZ, .
Frank's career began as a stagehand in IATSE Local 8 where he was a 50 year member. He worked at the Erlanger, Locust Street Theater, Shubert Theater, Academy of Music before taking a house job at the Living Arts Theater.
Upon the recommendation of his friend John Duncan he took a position with the PA Ballet as head master carpenter in 1967. Then with permission from his Uncle Mike Sweeney he travelled with the ballet. A great mentor in his life was his Uncle Charlie Boyle. His life dream was to open a scenic shop which came to fruition in the 1970's. After 40 years he retired in 2013. His studio was one of the first scenic shops in Philadelphia. He worked with many notable designers such as Rouben Ter-Arutunian, Jose Verona, Eugene Lee, Eldon Elder and Franco Calveccio. His company produced theatrical sets not only for Philadelphia but for all over the United States before he transitioned into the exhibit field, NY toy fairs and museums. He produced permament museum exhibits for the Independence Seaport Museum, Penn Museum, The Franklin Institute, The Fred Rogers visitor center, Academey of Natural Science and multiple successful central features for Philadelphia Horticultural Society.He worked closely with Lou Spezial and the Ferko String Band productions and numerous Ripely Believe it or not. His company produced the first revolving stage and sets for QVC and the first Live Aid and Farm Aid venues.
Besides his passion for his work he loved his Augustinian upbringing, college basketball, football and especially vegetable and flower gardening.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 9:00-10:30 AM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike (cor. Lynn Blvd.), Upper Darby, PA (610) 449-0300 followed by his Funeral Service at 10:30 AM. Internment private.
In Frank's memory contributions may be sent to Ballet NJ- 401 Bloomfield Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091 or Philadelphia Horticultural Society- Floor 5, 100 N. 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Funeral Service
Saturday, January 27, 2018 10:30 AMThe Donohue Funeral Home
8401 West Chester Pike Upper Darby 19082, United States
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