Wallace “Doc” Quinlan, a retired chiropractor who was running for state representative, died on Sunday. He was 92.
Services will be on Wednesday, March 25, at Wetzel and Son Funeral Home, 419 Huntingdon Pike, Rockledge. The viewing will begin at noon, followed by a masonic service at 12:45 p.m. and a memorial service at 1.
There will be a graveside service, with military honors rendered by the U.S. Army, on Wednesday, April 15, at 1 p.m. at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown.
Quinlan is survived by his wife, Sally; his daughter, Lynn Anne; his niece, Kathleen Pertschi; and his great-niece and great-nephew, Katie and Kristopher Pertschi.
According to an obituary on the Wetzel and Son website, Quinlan served as a laboratory technician in the Army. After his honorable discharge, he pursued higher education at St. Joseph’s College and continued on to the Chiropractic School of New York. In 1966, he began his career as a chiropractor.
Quinlan also served as an aide to City Councilman Brian O’Neill, specializing as a senior citizen liaison, for 20 years before retiring last year. He was also a 63rd Ward, 8th Division committeeman.
Quinlan was an active member of numerous organizations, including the Masonic Temple, where he served as past Master, the Lions Club, the Shriners Club, the Rotary Club and American Legion Loudenslager Post 366, where he served as Commander for many years.
The Fox Chase Civic Association/Town Watch meets monthly at Loudenslager, and Quinlan attended meetings. He recently convinced the group to begin its meetings with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Quinlan was also scheduled to be the Republican candidate in the 172nd Legislative District, challenging Democratic Rep. Sean Dougherty. Normally, Republicans would be able to replace him for the general election after the primary.
However, on March 17, two days after Quinlan’s death, a challenge to his nomination petitions was filed by a voter named Lisa Wade. The case is being handled by Adam Bonin, a longtime election law attorney who generally works for Democrats.
The basis of the challenge, according to the court filing, is that Quinlan did not sign his Statement of Financial Interests.
A Commonwealth Court hearing is scheduled for March 26. Matt Wolfe is handling the case for Republicans.
If Quinlan’s name is removed from the ballot, Republicans would have to get 300 write-in votes in the May 19 primary for a candidate’s name to appear on the general election ballot.
Donations may be made in Quinlan’s memory to American Legion Post 366, Cpl. John Loudenslager, 7976 Oxford Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111. ••
Photo courtesy Wetzel and Son
