Donald J. Quinn

Donald Joseph “Don” Quinn

July 17, 1941 – February 27, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Donald Joseph “Don” Quinn announces his passing after a short battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born on July 17, 1941, in Watertown, Massachusetts, to the late Richard and Mary Quinn, Don lived a life defined by love, family, dedication, and community spirit.

Don was a proud graduate of Watertown High School, Class of 1959, where he served as Student Council President. He was a standout three sport athlete, playing point guard on the basketball team, center field on the baseball team, and running back on the football team. Don went on to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst. On September 24, 1977, he married Margaret M. Quinn, and together they shared 49 wonderful years of marriage.

Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife Margaret; his four children and their spouses, Erin (Quinn) Morgan and her husband Conrad of Cambridge, England; Brian Quinn and his wife Courtney of Hudson, MA; Kelly (Quinn) McQuillan and her husband Michael of St. Augustine, FL, and Shannon (Quinn) Baird and her husband Sean of Clinton, MA; his 13 treasured grandchildren: Savannah, Maisie, Rhys, Quinn, Sean, Eilis, Molly, Norah, Eamonn, Torin, Clare, Orlagh, and Delaney; and many nieces and nephews who affectionately knew him as Uncle Donny. Don was blessed with a wide circle of friends from all walks of life, particularly Angela and Pat Mannion of Maynard, MA, with whom he and Margaret shared countless adventures and who were a source of unwavering support throughout his life.

Don dedicated more than 30 years to The Shipley Corporation in Marlborough, MA. Beyond his professional life, he became a beloved figure in the Hudson community through his passion for youth, athletics, and mentorship. Beginning in 1994, Don served as the master of ceremonies for Hudson High School varsity football for 25 years, and was affectionately known as “The Voice of the Hawks” —he only recently retired from play-by-play commentary in 2024. Over the years, he also called countless softball, basketball, and football games, always highlighting sportsmanship, teamwork, and the joy of competition.

His voice and spirit extended far beyond the field. Don volunteered his time as MC for Hudson Youth Baseball and the Special Olympics and Unified Games hosted by Hudson High School. His service was recognized many times, including being named Person of the Year by the R.F. Wood Foundation (2012) and honored by the Hudson Education Association for his outstanding contributions to education and the community. In 2007 he was inducted into the Hudson High School Hall of Fame for his dedicated service to Hudson athletics over three decades.

Don’s love for his family and his deep connection to his Irish heritage were at the heart of everything he did. He cherished traveling to Ireland—especially to Cavan, where his wife grew up—and shared many memorable trips with family throughout the years. He fulfilled a lifelong dream to live in Ireland when he moved his young family to Ireland in 1985 where they lived for two years. He also enjoyed vacations to Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, Eastman NH, Canada, England, Florida, and riverboat cruises across Europe. He instilled a love of travel and a willingness to take risks and learn about different cultures and perspectives in his children.

He was a proud member and past president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Watertown and an active member of the Hudson Elks Lodge. In recent years, he found great joy in his role as a substitute teacher and later as a crossing guard for the Hudson Police Department, continuing his lifelong commitment to the community and its youth.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Sr. and Mary Quinn; his brother Richard Quinn Jr.; his sister Mary Lou Quinn; and his brother Robert Quinn—all of Watertown, MA.

Having moved to Hudson in 1988 from Waltham, Don and Margaret quickly became part of the fabric of the town they proudly called home. His voice, laughter, and unwavering kindness will echo in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central, Hudson, MA. A funeral Service is planned for Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM, also at Tighe Hamilton, followed by a celebration of life at the Hudson Elks. Burial services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s memory to The Donald J Quinn Memorial Scholarship Fund care of St. Mary’s Credit Union or @DJQScholarshipfund on Venmo.