Mark Joseph Quinlan
March 23, 2026
Visitation: Saturday, March 28th 2-6 pm Devlin Funeral Home
Service: 6 PM Devlin Funeral Home
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/XG2XSJZX8JJMB795
Mark Quinlan, of Ross Township, passed away on March 23rd, after a short, courageous battle with cancer. Mark is survived and deeply grieved by Karen McDowell, his best friend and beloved wife of 37 years, and his collie Seamus. He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Patricia (Gaitens) Quinlan. Mark is also survived by his brother Kevin Quinlan (Janice) of Sturgeon PA, sisters Bridget Quinlan of McMurray PA, Claire Rose (George) of Lumberton NJ, Jean Quinlan of Zelienople PA, Peggy Weber (George) of Lititz PA, and Tricia Connell (Erik) of Bridgeville PA, nephews Nate, Dale, and Kyle, a great nephew and nieces, his mother-in-law Josephine McDowell, in-laws Lorraine Just (Gus), Bill McDowell (Jana), Linda LeFevre (Louie), and their children.
Mark was a graduate of King’s College, and the MAT graduate teaching program at Pitt. He put his teaching degree to work in the mental health field, where he worked for more than 35 years with the same organization. In its most recent iteration, Mercy Behavioral Health, Mark worked as a job coach, where he supported and advocated for those with mental health challenges as they pursued employment.
Mark was an avid reader, especially of biographies and histories. He had an eclectic taste in music, and was knowledgeable about rock, alt rock, and the blues. For most of his life he was a huge baseball fan and loved the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Mark was a poet, though he called himself a “scribbler.” He was a homebody, and until the decline of newspapers, read the paper daily and completed the crossword puzzle, usually with a cat on his lap or a dog cuddled next to him. He was a great cook. Most of all, his humor and kindness reflected his friendly character and his good heart.
Mark will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers a donation in Mark’s name is suggested to Doctors Without Borders or NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Friends will be received Saturday, March 28th from 2 PM until time of funeral service at 6 PM at the Devlin Funeral Home 806 Perry Hwy., Pgh, PA 15229.
Send Flowers Shop Gifts Plant Trees Print Obituary Share Obituary
My heartlfelt sympathy to Mark’s family during this difficult time. I truly enjoyed being a friend of Mark’s during our grade and high school years. We played on the baseball team at Canevin and he was a trusted teammate and a true friend.
I’m so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. I was a friend from grade school. You have my deepest sympathy and prayers during this sad time.
I am so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. I sometimes ran into Mark when I worked at Buikding 1, and he was always humorous and cheerful. His kindness, compassion and ability to think outside the box benefitted our persons served, and he will be greatly missed.
I only got the chance to meet Mark once or twice here at Pittsburgh Mercy but knew from other colleagues his dedication and passion for those we as an organization serves and he personally served. Pittsburgh Mercy has lost a valuable contributor to our organization. My deepest sympathies to his family