Paul Caldwell Quinn, 96, passed away at his grandson’s home in Wareham on Nov. 18, after a short illness brought on by pneumonia.

Paul was born in Tewksbury, son of Helen Quinn and Abraham Flaschner. He grew up primarily in Chelsea and Everett. At 11 years old, Paul finally settled in Chelsea with the Harts, his foster family. Although foster care was not often a pleasant existence for the young Paul, he loved to tell upbeat stories of his adventures during this time, as he and his neighborhood gang roamed the streets of Boston getting into all sorts of harmless trouble. The Great Depression of the 1930’s saw no opportunity, so Paul joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936, first spending time in northern Vermont and then being transferred to Pueblo, Colorado. In 1938, Paul joined the Marine Corps out of Denver, and attended basic training in San Diego. He was transferred to Hawaii, and then sent to Midway Island as part of the 6th Defense Battalion in November 1941. He participated in the Battle of Midway on June 4, 1942. Paul also participated in the battles on Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Peleliu, Guam and a number of smaller battles not as well known to history.

After WWII, Gunnery Sergeant Paul Quinn was discharged. Taking advantage of the GI Bill, he attended Vesper George School of Art. He married Helen Stearns in December 1950 and joined the Marine Corps during the Korean War. His daughters were born in 1954 and 1956. Paul spent many years working in the technical art field before semi-retiring and working in the Factory Paint stores in Weymouth and Pembroke.

A long-time resident of Abington, Paul loved painting, reading, and discussing history. It was fascinating to listen to him tell stories of his discussions with old Civil War soldiers, former slaves and American Indians he had met while out West who had fought in the Indian Wars in the 19th century. His excellence of recall allowed other generations to get a real understanding of another time. He enjoyed his yearly reunions with Midway Battle Association, but he mostly treasured time with his family.

Paul was predeceased by his parents; former wife Helen Chambers; brothers Sam and Bob McCarroll; sister Vida McCarroll and many friends. He is survived by his daughters Leslie Quinn and Pamela Moore; his grandson, Roger Hanscome; granddaughters Alicia Moore and Christine Pagan; his brother Wally McCarroll; and countless friends and family who will miss him more than words can describe.

His funeral service will be held on Monday, Nov. 23 at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. at 11:15 a.m., followed by interment in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours will be Sunday, Nov. 22 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM.

For directions and on-line guestbook visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com