José Manuel Quinzán

Born in Havana, Cuba on January 28, 1927 (José Martí Day) he was the son of the late Candido Quinzán and Luisa Hereau y Ortiz. José came to the United States in 1945 to make a better life for himself. Within six months he was drafted into the Army, received an honorable discharge in 1947 making him a veteran of WW II. A close friend of his sister, Dulce María, introduced him to the love of his life; Blanca Margarita Vera. After a yearlong courtship these two Cubans were married in Philadelphia on November 7, 1953 in eighteen inches of snow!

In 1956 they purchased their only home in Somerton, Philadelphia. Nine months later their first daughter was born, named after Marlene (Dietrich). Twenty-two months later their son arrived, named after Alan (Ladd) and in 1961 Marguerite Linda (Linda Margarita after her mother) came on the scene. They were avid movie fans. José would later become addicted to ‘TCM’ Turner Classic Movies.

His red ’57 Chevy Bel Air, of which he was very proud, made the trip to Cuba in 1959 for their second honeymoon.

Joe ‘Q’ worked for Penn Ventilator Company, Inc. in Philadelphia as a general foreman/manager of transportation for thirty-six years retiring in 1989. A sample commercial ventilator was installed on the roof of their home, it really kept the air flowing! José was very proud of his job and the work he did at home. He custom built a white picket fence and later a cedar fiberglass fence around the property (wanted things to last a long time). Two bedrooms, a bathroom and the ‘playroom’ were designed and built by him the old fashioned way; asking neighbors and friends for help. When his ‘amor’ wanted ceramic tile on the first floor he found out how and did it. At dinner his children would pass him their baked potato, he’d butter and mash them; the best they ever tasted!

He took his family on great vacations; to Key West, up to Niagara Falls where they had their honeymoon, Canada and on a twenty-one day cross country trip to the west coast. He did have to stop the car a few times to break up pillow fights in the backseat. It’s a wonder his children made it home alive! And what a great experience it was!

On November 11, 1987 José lost his wife to cancer, he told everyone she was a real ‘Veteran’.

When daughter Marlene had his first grandson ‘abuelo’ confirmed he had Quinzán legs. My father had been called ‘canary legs’, the reason why you never ever saw him in shorts. Fifteen months later his daughter Marguerite presented him with twin boys. She told him one was for her and one was for him. José learned how to change diapers and was quite involved with his ‘nietos’! Nine months later his fourth grandson was born to Marlene. In less than two years ‘abuelo’ had four ‘nietos! Two years later ‘la princesa’ arrived and was named after her heavenly ‘abuela’. José was a real trooper helping with and spoiling his grandchildren.

Uncle Alan spent time showing his nephews a lot about cars, it is his passion.

On May 26, 2012 José lost his youngest daughter Marguerite also to cancer; it was Memorial Day weekend.

One of José’s favorite sayings was ‘Only squeaky wheels get oiled’. One must advocate and be persistent. He taught his children well.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Blanca Margarita Vera Quinzán. Loving father of Marlene M.Q. Beckmann (Richard R. Beckmann), Alan J. Quinzán and the late Marguerite L. Quinzán (Scott A. Singer). He is also survived by five grandchildren: Christian John Q. Beckmann, Joseph Ryan Q. Beckmann, Marguerite-Vera Q. Beckmann, Ryan Michael Quinzán-Singer (Samantha Brunsvold) and Tyler Joseph Quinzán-Singer (Amy Videon). Three weeks ago his first great grandchild Franklin Joseph Singer came into the world. His sister, Dulce María Mendez, resides in Miami FL. His nephew, Raymond A. Mendez (Joy Comstock), reside in Portal AZ.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday, December 16, 2017 from 9:30 to 11 AM at the Lamb Funeral Home, 101 Byberry Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006. His funeral service will be at 11 AM. Jose’s interment will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Alzheimer’s New Jersey, 425 Eagle Rock Ave #203, Roseland, NJ 07068. Remembrances may

Arrangements under the direction of Lamb Funeral Home Inc., Huntingdon Valley, PA.