John Howard McQuillan, 87, of Winslow, Maine, passed from this life to the next on Wednesday December 27, 2017 at his home without his wife’s permission. He was born on October 11, 1930 in Waterville, the son of Verna (Abbey) and Arthur McQuillan. He was educated in area schools, graduated from Maine Maritime Academy where he played football, and went to work for Columbia Gas and then American Export Lines. In 1952 he married Shirley Mercier and together they had two children, lived in Ohio and New Jersey before moving to Maine where he worked for Scott Paper as a supervisor.

John enjoyed woodworking, was very handy and on many occasions readily helped out his neighbors. It’s always good to have a neighbor who knows which end of the hammer to use. A quiet and unassuming man, John was gentle, kind and considerate. Win or lose at playing cards or golf it was never a competition for him. When it came to Patriot’s football, he never missed a kick-off.

John’s priorities in life were his relationship with God, his family and others. He was a man who was cut from the finest cloth and he will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Shirley McQuillan of Winslow; his son David McQuillan and his wife Elaine, their daughter Becky, all of NH and their son Capt. Ryan McQuillan, USAF; his daughter Michelle McQuillan Knowles of Vassalboro and her sons Drew and David; his brother Robert McQuillan of Sidney; as well as nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his grandchild, Maisie Charles Knowles and his twin sisters: Kathleen Lord and Elaine Marston.

Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to view some photos of John’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with his family.