I would like to contact Mr. Quigley's son Tom; I believe he resides in Richmond, Va.  Can you help me?
    John Gouldin

I have so many wonderful memories of my great Uncle Billy. I love him dearly and he will live on in my heart until it is time for me to once again see his smiling face and receive one of his warm embraces.

I have two favorite stories of Uncle Billy….

The first one takes place at my brother Steve's at a family get together. I knew of Uncle Billy's pool playing history and reputation but Steve had not and he had just purchased a new pool table. My Dad said, “Steve, why don't you show Uncle Billy your new table?” Steve thinking Uncle Billy surely wouldn't be that interested said, “Do you want to see it?” Uncle Billy said “Sure, maybe we can even play a game or two.” As they headed downstairs, Uncle Billy walked by and winked at me with a little “follow us” nod of his head. Dad and I followed, and after all the compliments on a nice table the playing was to begin. Steve said “You go ahead and break, Uncle Billy.” Uncle Billy said, “No, Steve, you go ahead, age before beauty and all.” So Steve broke the first game and the rest is history. That was the one and only shot Steve was allowed to make the whole game. Needless to say, there was not a second game but a lot of “how did you do that?” questions. You could see on Steve's face that he was quite impressed and very proud of his great uncle.

The second story involved both Uncle Billy and Aunt Betty. I had the honor of playing chauffer to the Two Quigs when Uncle Billy couldn't drive for a while. I had such a wonderful time with the two of them doing errands. First we dropped Aunt Betty off at New Image Hair Salon where she went to the same person for 30+ years or so to get her hair done. Maryann is her name. From there I drove Uncle Billy to a doctor appointment, the bank and to “his” service station to get his car inspected.  The first errand to the bank I was getting out of the car to go in with him but was stopped dead in my tracks by “the stink eye” look followed by a wink. He informed me he was old enough to go in by himself. After running the errands and upon arriving back at the salon, Betty informed us she was going to get a manicure, too. Uncle Billy and I went back out to the car and he said, “Why don't you go get a haircut?” Well, I had been looking for a new person to cut my hair so why not.  So, I went in and asked Maryann if she had time to do my hair and she said yes. Well, I went out to tell I would be getting it done but he was already sound asleep in the front seat of the car. Ten minutes into my hair cut, I looked over at Betty at the manicurist table and she, too, was sound asleep in her chair while getting her nails done. I ended up getting the best haircut of my life that year and having one of the most special days of my life as well. Maryann has been cutting my hair for many years now and every time I go, we talk about our deep affection and memories of the Two Quigs. 

I was so blessed to be able to spend time more time with Uncle Billy over the last couple of years. One day, I was able to go with him to his old home and neighborhood….that was a day I will treasure forever. I loved hearing the stories of his life and learning more about my Quigley relatives. I especially smiled when he said he shot pool with guys named Skeeter, Banana Nose, Dirty Shirt and Dead Rat. I was so honored to be around him. He was so gentle, caring and kind to me…not to mention he was still “the cat's meow” until the very end, always charming, witty and wise. I will miss him tremendously but I know the Quigley baby has finally made it back home to the rest of the family. 

I love you, Uncle Billy. I hope they have dance halls and pool tables in Heaven.

A little over 20 years ago, I moved into the neighborhood of Harrison and 12th Street and I met the "Quigs" finally! I say finally because I kept seeing a car with the license plate "2 Quigs". My Dad always had a fascination with vanity tags and what they meant. Sometimes we'd make up our own definitions because most times we'd never meet the people in the car of the tags! The 2 Quigs had invited me over (coffee maybe?) and I'll never forget walking into their living room (very formal and beautiful) and sitting down on a fancy arm chair. I was a bit leery about coming in and sitting for I'm usually outside doing some sort of yard work and inevitably dirty and horribly dressed (old shorts & tee shirts). The 2 Quigs insisted so I finally settled in but not before I noticed a fancy pillow on a very pretty couch with the words embroidered "Getting Old Sucks". I thought to myself, these Quigs are pretty cool! So, I sat for a long time, listening to a wonderful couple who were very wise, very funny, very humble and I could tell easily, very well loved by all. After that, I understood why the little old lady who I bought my house from (Wanzie Adams) never stopped talking about the Quigs 50th Wedding Anniversary party and how they danced all night long. I knew I had to meet these fabulous Quigs and I'm so grateful that I was able to and that they became  part of my neighborhood life. They were similar in age of my own parents who lived in Maryland, so it gave me a sense of being adopted (or really I adopted them!). 

With each passing winter, myself and other neighbors would be out shoveling snow and we wouldn't stop until the Quigs was done! They would never ask and they never had to......we just did it because it was the right thing to do, plus we knew Quig would be out there doing it himself. I figured he'd shoveled enough snow for a lifetime. It's our turn to help out. Each Christmas, Quig would waddle over and bring me the largest poinsettia in the world. I'll miss those poinsettias for sure, but will miss Quig even more.

I am happy to say, that the legend of the good folk Quigs, lives on. I feel lucky to have gotten to know Jeanne more and now that Eric is at the house on 12th Street, as I'm getting to know him a bit - he too is "a Quig". This world could use a bunch more Quigs! Thank you Quigley Family.  Jill Rudy

What made Bill so special to me was his interest in almost everything happening in current events and politics as well as the history spanning our generations and his ever-enquiring mind, searching, like Guy Noir, for the answers to “life's persistent questions”.
 
Since Betty's passing, Bill and I have had a custom of going to a restaurant once or twice a month, most often for breakfast.  At these outings I have heard quite a few of the stories of his (and your) life and times,  but in all our discussions of current and past events, he was always probing my thoughts on those persistent questions and questioning everything.  Topics ranged from the absurdities of the current political scene to the existence of god and heaven.  Bill would often ask if I had read an article in the Post he had just read or a book that had made quite an impression on him and then gave me a homework assignment to read the article or book and report on it.  Most recent standouts were “In the Garden of Beasts”, a book about the daughter of FDR's ambassador to Nazi Germany and a Time magazine issue devoted to an investigation of the high cost of health care.  In times before our breakfast seminars, there were titles like “How the Irish Saved Civilization” and “St. Brendan, the Irishman who Discovered America.”
 
We are really going to miss Bill.   He meant a lot to all of us.
 
Hoping that the pain of his loss will be eventually replaced with the warm memories of the good life he led, but wishing he would have stayed around a while longer, John Thurston

What I remember most fondly about Bill was his genuine interest in others.  When I returned from a trip to Italy, everyone else asked, "How was your trip?" 
"Wonderful," I said. 
"Great," they said.  End of story.  

But Bill said, "Tell me about your trip to Italy." Then he listened for as long as I rattled on. After that he asked, " Why do you think Rome is so special for you?" to encourage me to share more of my experiences. He was engaged in whatever conversation was going on--not thinking of his next question, or what he would rather be doing, or how my experience reminded him of something that had happened to him or how to change the subject.  Is it any wonder I was always happy to see him?  The charm of the man! 
Pat Thurston

Tom: I'm so sorry to hear about your father's passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thomas Wyatt

Dear Jeanne, Linda and Tommy,

Uncle Bill will be greatly missed.  He was a great son, brother, husband, father and grandfather.  He was the best example of what a man should be; in fact, all 3 brothers were wonderful men. They had a great mom and dad. Uncle Bill was a friend and uncle to many. He was a wonderful uncle to me.  Uncle Bill was a kind and gentle man.  He was our Patriach.  We love you!

Natalie and Gerry 
and the whole Quigley family

Mr. Quig is an icon for our neighborhood! He will be sorely missed by all. I feel honored to have known him for the past 20 years. He was a true gentleman and the best neighbor anyone could have! We all feel very lucky to have him present at our last backyard picnic (thanks Jeanne!)but not knowing it would be the last we'd talk to him. My sincere condolences to the Quigley Family.

Dear Tom & Family:  We are sending you and your family our heartfelt thoughts and prayers.  I have so many great memories of your parents and growing up together.  It would be great to reconnect and share stories of what paths we have taken over the years.  My cell phone number is: 703-591-5597 and I would surely like to hear from you.  Again, please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Doug & Marty Gorham

A few years ago Jeanne and I took Mr. & Mrs. Quigley to Pat Troy's (in Alexandria) for St. Patrick's Day.  The place was packed with young people.  I noticed that just about all of these young people were wearing those green beads of shamrocks and “kiss me I'm Irish” beads.  I told Jeanne that I was going to see if I could find some for all of us and left for a few minutes to go get them.  When I came back to tell them there were none to be found, I saw that Mr. Quigley had 3 or 4 strands around his neck.  I asked him where he got them.  He pointed to a crowd of young people standing in a group a few feet away.  He said a couple of them just walked up to him and put them around his neck without saying a word.  It was then I realized I was celebrating St. Patrick's Day with the King of Ireland.

Mr. Quigley was known for his great poker skills.  One night I was at a poker party with him and several others.  In a hand of 5 card draw he asked me if I thought my “straight” might win.  I asked him why he thought I had a “straight”.  After the hand was over he told me that he knew it by the way I was placing my cards.  He was right; I had a “straight” but he won the hand.

When I was at the hospital with Jeanne, some young male technicians came into Mr. Quigley's room to take blood.  The one technician obviously did some body building.  After drawing Mr. Quigley's blood, and Mr. Quigley seeing that the last tube was sealed and the needle was out of his arm, he looks up at us and says “weight liftah”.  The only one laughing harder than Jeanne and me was the “weight liftah”.  

Maureen McFeeley

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam (may he rest in peace).  To my dear friends Linda and Paul, may the love of your  friends and family carry you through your loss.
Pam McKinley

Tom and Karen and family,
So sorry to hear about your loss......our deepest smypathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I have two memories:

1.  Thanksgiving with the Quigleys and me.  Four or five years ago at Thanksgiving dinner, we were discussing our favorite love stories and movies.  I mentioned "Out of Africa" with Robert Redford and Meryl Streep.  Linda talked about the beautiful cinematography and music.   Jeanne theorized about passion, love, and possession.  I marveled over Streep's and Redford's acting.  Then Mr. Quigley, who had been silent for the entire conversation, chimed in with "Is that the one where he gets eaten by the lion?"  We all laughed and answered, "Yes, that's the one."  No one could get through to the fluff and to the bottom of things like Mr. Quigley.

2.  Dating insight from Mr. Quigley.  Some years back at one of Jeanne's dinner parties, Mr. Quigley met a former boyfriend of mine.  After the party, Jeanne must have asked her dad what he thought of my new beau and he said, "they're not going to make it."  Jeanne naturally asked, "Why?"  Mr. Quigley astutely responded, "Do you see how he dresses."  (For a little context, let's analogize to magazines. I'm "InStyle" and "Vogue", and he was "Field and Stream" and "Outdoor Life."   Well, Mr. Quigley was right! The relationship did not last.  Since that time, I was introduced to a wonderful man and I am happy to report that we are working out just fine.   Clif is like "GQ."  And, when Mr. Quigley met him, he said "now this one has a chance".  
Suzanne Bell

Mr. Q: When I think of him the first glimpse in my mind is his smile.  He always reminded me of the Pillsbury dough boy with an edge and wry wit. I always wanted to hug him.  Nothing seemed to phase him much.  Once when I got him on the phone, and he could not understand or hear me, instead of getting frustrated, he just said calmly: I don't understand what you are saying . . . so just call back . . . and hung up! I cracked up! Never met anyone so well in his skin. Do you say that in English? -- meaning comfortable with himself and the world.  How lucky you were, and are still, cause he made part of you, and that is what's so wonderful. Your Mom and Dad are still in you.  Arlette Clayton

I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Quigley but know his daughter Jeanne.  He loved joining her friends for "poker parties" - just him and the girls.  He will be missed by those who lives were touched by him.  My prayers and thoughts to Jeanne and her family.   Chris Neal

In just the past year, I was honored to have Bill cook me breakfast during a visit with his daughter Jeanne. It was an impressive feat for a 90+-year-old -- eggs, bacon, toast. When I told him so, he responded, "You notice I didn't offer you a choice?" Apparently it's the only breakfast he knew how to make, and he made it every day. Still, impressive! Such a warm, delightful man.

Tom, Karen, Eric, and Sarah and Quigley Family, please know the Wood Family is so sorry for your loss, sending you all our deepest condolences and prayers.

May the Father of tender mercies be with you as you struggle to cope with your loss.

My Dad's little brother was always my Favorite Uncle. Although I live in Florida now I was honored to see him twice during the past year. I will cherish those last conversations always.  Good bye Uncle Billy.  I love you and Will miss you.  Your oldest brother's youngest child Dennis Quigley.

I met Bill in the early 70's, Tom and I were good friends in college. I have no particular stories, but I always admired his warm and comfortable way with people, easy to talk to, not to mention the humor. My regret is that I never shot pool with him.
I saw Bill and Betty before and during Tom and Karen's wedding, spent some time with them, and noticed again how they connected with people, a calming influence on the rush of final preparations for the wedding. 
He had a long run, maybe in part due to his athleticism, a great family, and I'm glad he was able to remain independent (mostly) to the end.

I remember as a kid all the wonderful family picnics with the 3 Quigley brothers and all of the cousins together. Great times.  I remember Uncle Billy singing the Irish songs with loud enthusiasm. A sardonic wit, referring to Grandma Kitt as Mumbling Ma with a twinkle in those blue eyes.  Listening to me as an adult with love and interest.  I will always miss this sweetheart of a man.  Judy (Quigley) Keeler , Edgewater, MD

I am so glad that we all got to spend an afternoon with Mr. Quig and Jeanne in June when we had a neighborhood party.  It was so great to see him and spend some time with him.  He was definitely the heart of the neighborhood and I will miss him, but am comforted that he is with his best girl, Betty.  My thoughts and prayers go out to the family as he will be missed by them.  As well as by his neighborhood family.

I will miss my Uncle Billy terribly.  I am grateful he had such a full life and I know he has gone on to live with Betty and be forever blessed and content. To the Quigley family I send my deepest condolences and prayers.  Love to all, Mary Ann (Quigley) and Bob Hunt.

Here's my most recent memory of Bill. Last September I was able to spend a couple of days with him and with Jeanne and I was completely surprised to find that he was the breakfast chef.  Bacon, eggs, toast, juice, coffee!  Of course he was only 93 at the time! 
What a vibrant dedicated energy for life this man had.
He truly knew how to live life to the fullest. In that, he was a teacher unawares.  I hope I can remember the lesson.
Jeanne, Linda, Tom - my heart is with you as you begin the journey of days lived without him walking the earth along side.  We have all lost a vibrant spirit but you have lost your dad.  Take care. Truly wish I could be there for the Saturday get together!   Bernie also sends his condolences and encouragement. Our thoughts are with you.  Love, Anne

OBITUARY

William Joseph Quigley Jr.

October 26, 1918 – July 5, 2013

Murphy Funeral Homes

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