Pierce Arthur Quinlan, 83, passed away unexpectedly and quickly on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at home in Henlopen Acres of natural causes, cardiac arrest. He was a man of integrity in everything he said or did. His death was as he wished, in accordance with his style: clear, precise and straight to the point. Pierce was interested in many things, from baseball to books, sports to stocks, education to performance, fine wine to fine dining, skiing to from deep water diving, tennis to walking, along with art, yoga, cycling, cars and the Caribbean. The tall handsome Pierce loved the moon had a twinkle in his eye and a gift for Irish storytelling and conversation. He loves dogs and the beach as much as he loves his daily meals and triple chocolate chip cookies that he calls “The Breakfast of Champions!”
The house was an interesting thing to collect but Pierce did it with love, and in the end he had 43. He was a good gardener as taught by his grandfather, and gave himself the name “Pietro the Gardener” who called the an Italian name for Pierce coined by his entourage. Native of Milton, Mass.; He was born on August 21, 1939. Pierce was successful as an elite high school athlete, earning All-Star football honors, with the same track as graduating from Boston College in 1961. , majored in economics. In 1986, he attended Stanford University, earning a master’s degree in business. Visiting the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma, he became a self-taught oenophile. An extreme athlete, Pierce was a baseball player, avid skier, deep-sea diver, relentless tennis player and demon skater.
In addition to being a loving father to his children Kelly, Keith and Kim, Pierce took a keen interest in educating young people, asking them simple questions about their likes and dislikes, hopes and dreams, leading them to make plans. to come For ten years, Pierce enjoyed being a clown in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. With distinctive gray hair, he was given the moniker Heigh Ho Silver for his wife Sparkle Plenty.
After the military, Pierce’s career began in Washington, DC, with the Department of Labor. The lanky New Englander was first sent south to establish an educational center. In time, he rose through the ranks of the federal government to run a nationwide job and training program, then was tasked with breaking up the Teamsters Union, which demanded protection. During his long career in Washington, Pierce received the Arthur S. Fleming Award, as one of the top 10 men and women in federal service. He became the executive vice president of the National Alliance for Business with a unique library program that targets the disadvantaged. From there to Loral Industries, he led the born entrepreneur to buy the branch and start his own software company, Learnscape, distributing educational materials, especially helping the prison population.
Over time, Pierce became a dedicated and respected community leader. He was in the Rehoboth Art League and Henlopen Acres Beach Club, among others. An avid fitness enthusiast, he gained momentum by helping set up the tent for the Rehoboth Farmers Market. She is also a member of the Rehoboth Beach Writers Guild.
His first marriage to Judy Robinson Quinlan ended in divorce. He left after 25 years of marriage when his wife Joyce Starbird Quinlan died of brain cancer. On Memorial Day June 14, 14 years ago, he married widow Virginia Daly of Henlopen Acres and DC. grandson Kyle Quinlan; and grandson Gustavo Gonzalez.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 9 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth. A private funeral will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, those interested in contributing to Pierce’s honor may consider the Rehoboth Art League, Rehoboth Beach Yoga, or Rehoboth Beach Writers’ Guild.
To read the full unabridged obituary, visit Pierce’s Life Memorial website and sign his virtual book at parcellefunalhomes.com.
