Father Kieran Quinn, OFM Cap.

February 28, 2010 Last Updated: February 28, 2010 10:31 AM Death Notice

Father Kieran Quinn, OFM Cap., died Friday in Charleston, W.Va., at the age of 90.

Born in Beaver Falls to Edwin and Gertrude (Kossler) Quinn on Feb. 12, 1919, Father Kieran was one of nine children.

He was preceded in death by his parents and seven sisters and brothers, Theresa Rose Quinn, Della Jeanette Kocsis, Louise May O'Neil, Father Edmund Quinn, Father Thomas Quinn, Robert Quinn and Jerome Quinn.

He is survived by a sister, Lucille Stape, of Mesa, Ariz., and many nephews and nieces.

Father Kieran, Father Edmund and Father Thomas were all Capuchin friars of the Province of St. Augustine.

Father Kieran was baptized in the St. Mary Church in Beaver Falls, where he also received his elementary education. He attended high school and college at St. Fidelis Seminary in Herman.

On July 13, 1938, Father Kieran was invested with Capuchin habit to begin novitiate, and he professed first vows on July 14, 1939, in Cumberland, Md. Three years later, he professed perpetual vows as a Capuchin friar. Father Kieran was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1944.

After attaining his graduate degree in chemistry at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in 1948, Father Kieran was assigned to the faculty of St. Fidelis Seminary in Herman. He would remain at the seminary in various capacities until 1971. During his 23 years on the seminary staff, he was at various times a science professor, financial officer, purchasing director, prefect of discipline, director of the Secular Franciscans, confessor, librarian and counselor. His service at the seminary was tireless and invaluable.

In 1971, Father Kieran was elected vicar provincial of the Capuchin friars and moved to St. Augustine Friary in Pittsburgh. He completed two terms as vicar provincial in 1977.

Following his service as vicar provincial, Father Kieran was named pastor of Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral in Charleston, W.Va. He would remain in Charleston for the rest of his life. In 1981, he was named chaplain and director of pastoral care at St. Francis Hospital in Charleston. He retired 17 years later in 2002.

Due to failing health, Father Kieran was admitted to Valley Center Nursing Home in South Charleston in 2006. His good friend, Sister Fran Kirtley, OSF, was a wonderful support and companion for many years, especially helpful in the last years of his life.

Father Kieran passed away at 4 a.m. Friday at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston.

<B>QUINN</B> — Visitation and viewing for Father Kieran Quinn, OFM Cap., who died Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at St. Anthony Church, 1000 Sixth St., Charleston, W.Va. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at the church.Father Kieran's body will be moved to Pittsburgh for visitation and viewing from 2 to 4:30 and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31. A service of prayer and remembering is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the friary chapel.Family members, friars and friends will gather at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 1, at the St. Mary Cemetery, Herman, for graveside prayers and interment.Donations in memory and honor of Father Kieran may be made to the Capuchin Development Center, 200 37th St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201.