Leonis Alexander Quinlan Jr.

Leonis Alexander Quinlan Jr., affectionately known as Pops, Unc, Uncle Junie, Rev, Grandpa, and Lee, was born on February 24th, 1937, in the Bronx, NY, alongside his twin sister, Leonore, to Irene Elizabeth and Leonis Sr. Their family was complete with older sister Jaqueline and older brother John.

Leonis was a vibrant and full-of-life youth! At the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country and traveling the world from 1955 to 1959. After his honorable service, he attended Brooklyn Community College. It was there he met Julia Mayo, and they married exactly one year after their first meeting on September 10th, 1960. Leonis continued his education at the New York Institute of Technology, earning a Bachelor of Science degree.

In the early 1970s, Leonis took a leap of faith and became a NYC police officer. He ended his civil servant job as a plainclothes detective with the New York City Police Department, a role he held until the late 1970s. As a member of Calvary Baptist Church, he felt the call to ministry, leading him to attend New York Theological Seminary. He later converted to the Methodist Church, where he pastored several churches in the New York Conference and upon retirement he served three churches in Florida. His pastoral career spanned over 30 years.

Leonis was known by many titles throughout his life: Police Officer, Veteran, Chef and Pastor. However, the titles he cherished most were Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, and Friend. His union with Julia Mae and raising their seven children were the highlights of his life.

Leonis embodied grace, strength, perseverance, and humility. He was debonair and loved the camera, with a smile that lit up every room and a handshake that conveyed his sincerity and resolve.

On July 30th, 2024, the Quinlan family lost their Patriarch. Leonis will forever be missed for his comedic presence, culinary skills, powerful voice, and the unique love only a father could give.

Leonis is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Julia Mae, and his children: Darlene, Renee, Janine (and wife Jalissa), Darren (and wife Paula), Cynthia (and life partner Ken), and Cassandra. His grandchildren: Wanisha, Dana (wife Desiree and sons CJ and Apollo), Xavier (fiancé Renee Lamay), Alexandra, Savonna, Samantha; great-grandson Ermias; and bonus grandchildren Katarina (and husband Sean) and Kevin also cherish his memory.

He was predeceased by his parents, Irene and Leonis Sr., his sisters, Leonore and Jaqueline, his brother, John, nephew, George, and son-in-law, Wayne Holmes. Leonis leaves behind a host of family and friends whose lives he touched deeply. In his own words, “How you doin’? I’m doin’!” We love you, Leonis.

A wake service and visitation for Leonis will be held Wednesday, August 7, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at North Shore United Methodist Church, 260 NY-25A, Wading River, NY 11792. A funeral service - A Celebration of Life will occur Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 11:30 AM, 260 NY-25A, Wading River, NY 11792. A final committal will occur Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Calverton National Cemetery, Wading River, Wading River, NY 11792.