Juan Quinones

Juan Quinones was born on January 27, 1939 to Juan Quinones and Eusebia Nieves in Loquillo, Puerto Rico, USA.

Juan released his mortal coil Sunday, September 29, 2019 on The Feast of St. Michael, in Westfield, NY, USA.

Formerly of Dunkirk, NY, Juan received the best compassionate comfort care at Absolut Care of Westfield. He originally went to Brooks Hospital for excessive coumadin blood levels finally succumbing to complications from his Diabetes. By the Grace of God, Juan went to sleep and awoke in Fields of Gold.

Juanito was orphaned at an early age and grew up quickly schooled in Life. Bi-Lingual with little education or finances, Juan overcame many obstacles and fought to make something of himself. While in Puerto Rico, Juan worked on the navy base. He developed a strong work ethic and later in life helped many people without announcements. Juan became employed by the railroad travelling through Illinois to Ohio. He landed in Sheridan, NY and met his long term employer, Archie Paglia of Arlou Farms, Inc. There Juan learned many good values and grape farming skills. Juan loved being outdoors through all seasons on the farm; planting posts and suckers, combing grapes, trimming grapes, tying grapes. He worked many long hours during grape picking season; always was aware of the sugar content and en-joyed riding on the John Deere Gator. Juan would check the rows to see where the white and black grapes were. He had an amazing scent for the variety of grapes. He could tell with his eyes closed which were Delaware, Niagara, Concord, Fredonia, etc. Juan enjoyed growing gardens with heirloom seeds: squash, cucumber, cilantro, cucumbers, peppers, zucchini His green thumb excelled growing Canas and Apple Mint aka ” Yerba Buena.” Juan had a prolific grape vine in his backyard and was crest-fallen when it died. He was convinced the urine from the stray cats did that vine in. Juan loved his family on the farm and always spoke highly of everyone.

Juan’s home was his castle and he loved his wife’s companionship, creativity, cooking and wisdom. He loved Arroz con gandules, Habichuelas Guisadas and pernil asado. Juan loved Jack, (he and his wife’s Mexican parrot) and loved him more when he found out that pot of beans his wife cooked one day were flavored with Jack’s wings when he flew over and fell in the beans. No harm. Jack was rescued from the pot of beans and Juan found out afterwards.

He was the best father two girls could ever ask for and instilled many good values. He was the salt of the earth.Juan was an avid NY Yankees and Buffalo Bill’s fan. Juan enjoyed giving people nicknames and a hard time; as he was an excellent judge of characterwith high intuition. Juan would give anyone the shirt off his back, he cared for the plight of humanity and was the most compassionate and forgiving person. He would always advise: ” Be yourself. “He was a true “Cara duro”; literally meaning hard face; from the streets of Fajardo; “La Metropolis del Sol Naciente” (the city that guards the sun of the Caribbean).

Juan married his devoted wife, Carmen Lydia De Jesus on June 22, 1968 at St. Columban’s, Buffalo, NY. Carmen Lydia, survivor, tamed a lion, raised two beautiful daughters and persevered through her husband’s declining health.Surviving is Carmen Maria Quinones (Jeb Fries), eldest daughter aka: Equalito tu papa. Juan was predeceased by his youngest daughter, (Busi de pappi), Juanita Quinones, June 14, 2013. Juanita has been a Guardian Angel to her father, whom she adored and she welcomed him home.

Juan was a member of The AARP, St. Mary’s Parish, Los Amigos Unidos softball team and The Age of Aquarius. A true child of God. Juan’s faith exceeded religion as his mind aligned with God’s mind. “God is everything. Without God there is nothing. “At the end of his earthly journey, Juan made his peace, asked forgiveness, was forgiven and drank from the Eternal Wellspring. His new life has begun.

The viewing will be held Friday, October 4, 2019 at The R. Mackowiak Funeral Home Inc., 56 E. Doughty Street, Dunkirk, NY, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. His daughter Rev. Carmen Quinones will lead a service at 7:30 p.m.There will be a private interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery on Monday, October 7.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Juan’s memory to: Lakeshore Humane Society, Inc., 431 East Chestnut Street Dunkirk, NY 14048