Dean Aubrey Quinlan

Kittery, ME - Dean Aubrey Quinlan, of Kittery, Maine, passed peacefully surrounded by family on August 1, 2025. Dean was born in Malden, MA on September 19, 1939. He was the oldest of 6 children born to Juliette and Aubrey Quinlan. Dean graduated from Wakefield High School in 1957, where he was a stand-out basketball player and broke numerous records in track and field. Dean graduated with a degree in business from Merrimack College in 1961, where he was the student council president and an avid player of team sports. He proudly joined the Coast Guard and served in the reserve until 1968. Dean was the founder and president of two companies, Safetyloid Reclamation and Northeast Medical Archives, which he led successfully for over 40 years, with great care for his employees and their families. Dean delighted in life. From his early days as a lifeguard on Hampton Beach, he loved to be near the ocean, particularly Plaice Cove and Fort Foster. Some of his other favorite things, included: a well-tended garden, native birds, riding his scooter along the ocean road, world travel, a good laugh, sunsets overlooking Spruce Creek, the excitement of a new adventure and of course, ice cream. Most treasured to him was time spent with his beloved wife, Sandy, their blended family and his many friends. Many of his friendships were over 70 years in duration, and he still enjoyed weekly breakfasts with a few of his long-time pals. Dean had a keen sense of humor and told stories that would have him, and his audience, doubled over in laughter. He was kind, accepting and loving. He served as a mentor and role model to many, of all ages. As a father, grandfather and friend, he was the first person people could turn to for wisdom in times of difficulty, to lend a hand when planting a garden, and to celebrate in times of joy. He is survived and will be dearly missed by his wife, Sandy, his four children, Martha Indelicato (and Al) of Hampton, NH, Kate Mortenson (and David) of Minneapolis, MN, Jennifer Chinburg (and Eric) of Exeter, NH, Matt Quinlan (and Allison) of Hampton, NH and step-bonus children, Kris Eielson (and Tara) of Hingham, MA and Kerry Eielson-Fanning (and John) of Saco, Maine, and 18 grandchildren in his blended family. He was predeceased by his parents, Aubrey and Juliette Quinlan, his sisters Jeanne Marie and Diane Quinlan. He is survived by his brothers, Tom Quinlan (and Trish), Paul Quinlan (and Terry) and sister, Cheryl Goryl (and Dennis). A celebration of life will be planned for friends and family in the future. Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Merrimack College Dean A. Quinlan Scholarship Fund (Information on how to make a donation will be made available shortly, please check back).

Dean Aubrey Quinlan

September 19, 1939 - August 1, 2025