R.I.P My Brother Brian

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My little brother Brian’s funeral mass eulogy on May 30, 2025, at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish in Wakefield, Massachusetts. My brother was a great person with a huge heart who would help anyone in need. Gone suddenly and far too soon, I’m going to miss him. Along with my late grandfather, I also mentioned a few special people for their positive impact on my life’s journey with my brother through lasting memories and kind words on his passing. Our late childhood friends John Michael Hughes & Michael Chaffee, along with Kane Hodder and Marc Mero. The church was built in 1933, so the video was set as a retro theme from that era (as the original footage was a bit off). I wish the camera was a bit closer, but I’m still very grateful to have this. The audio had some significant echo and background noise, which was improved a bit for additional clarity, although still not the best. I’ll cherish the good times, all the laughs we had, and remember you for your kindness to others.”
– Love always, your big brother
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonglobe/name/brian-quinlan-obituary?id=58463824
YouTube:
https://youtu.be/2s2QRS_qHTY
*Taken from Official Site: https://www.johnjquinlan.com/
 
I learned yesterday my younger brother, Brian’s, cause of death was a heart attack. I’ll never get over the whole “Gone Forever” thing in the blink of an eye. I can’t thank everyone enough for all the love & support sent my way. It has meant the world to me. 
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
& YouTube: https://youtube.com/shorts/DgpweUWd8uc
*Taken from YouTube & Media:
It’s been almost 3 months now since the sudden death of my younger brother Brian. This tragic event has changed my thinking and views on so many things. It’s like starting over a little bit “alone” now in a way. Moving forward the best I can with clarity has helped me the most. Having a clear mind, finding peace, and connecting with God on the highest level is where I am in my life now. Thank you again for all the kind words & love I have received after losing my younger brother. Every single one has meant the world to me. PS, I put a couple notes taped in front of me to help read (you can see the reflection in my glasses) as talking about my brother is still a bit challenging to keep it together 100% – Stoneface
https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
It was tough “letting go” today. My brother’s car is now gone and it’s symbolic of the new reality. Life is hard. I love you bro.
Brian William Quinlan ❤️
February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
*Taken from: https://youtube.com/shorts/9W5ivPwn2Lk
“Getting the news today that my younger brother Brian, 48 years old, died hit me like a ton of bricks. He was a great person, had a big heart, and would do anything for a friend in need. I keep saying this is a very realistic nightmare and that I’ll wake up. Sadly, it’s real. I basically did my first 50 years with him, and I’ll try my best to do the next 50 without him. Life is precious. I never thought I’d bury my baby brother. This is a tough one. Thank you for your kindness towards me, and I’ll always cherish the great memories I had with you. Until I see you on the other side, I love you, little brother.”  
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
*Taken from: https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
Rest in peace Brian, I’ll miss you.
I’m forever grateful for your kindness towards me & others.
Love, your big brother
https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
Rest in peace Brian, I’ll miss you. I’m forever grateful for your kindness
towards me & others. Love, your big brother
https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
Opening your phone and seeing your little brother’s obituary for the first time…I have no words. – J*
*Taken from:
https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
Opening your phone and seeing your little brother’s obituary for the first time…I have no words. – J*
*Taken from:
https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
“I’ll sure miss you, Brian. Knowing I’ll never see you again in my natural life seems surreal and I don’t think I’ll ever fully have a hold onto that fact. 1% of me still believes this is a very realistic nightmare that I’ll just wake up from. I truly feel in my heart this is still a possibility. I’ve often told people, “I miss youth.” Brian, you were always part of my youth and now that time has passed, you have as well. I feel that part of the coping process is focusing on the good times, all the laughs we had, and remembering you for your kindness to others.”
– Your Big Brother  
*Taken from: https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/
A rare photo taken in 1995 I just received of my younger brother Brian (left), who died on May 17, 2025, from one of his best friends, Matthew Shaw. It’s been one week now since he passed, and I’m still asking myself, “Is this real?” Thanks again, Matt, for the photo.
It’s a nice capture.
*Taken from:
https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
Gone forever, this is surreal. 1% of me still says, “this is just a very realistic bad dream.” I’m holding on to this 1% –  Love, Your Big Brother
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
*Taken from: https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
“I’d be honored to give your eulogy this Friday little brother.”
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
I’d like to personally thank Matthew Shaw, one of my younger brother Brian’s best friends, for sending me these throwback photos with my brother from high school / 1990’s. I still can’t believe it. 💔
Brian William Quinlan,
February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
*Taken from: https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
My brother’s funeral mass is tomorrow, so I met with the funeral director just now, and we were given this. The watch my brother had on when he died. Very fitting as it is one of the same watches worn by Paul Stanley of Kiss. Brian loved those 80’s rock bands.
That was my brother. He was one cool cat. – Love always, your big brother
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
This morning, I say goodbye to my little brother @ 10am from Most Blessed Sacrament Parish 1155 Main Street, Wakefield, MA 01880. I love you, and I thank you for everything ❤️
https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
“I want to thank everyone for all the love I have received after losing my younger brother. I’ve seen all the condolences & I am forever grateful to you all. Rest in Power Brian.” 
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
“I was the very last one to leave Most Blessed Sacrament Parish after my brother’s funeral mass. The lot was empty and in silence I took this photo. The final photo of my brother.” 
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
On behalf of my children and family, I want to thank everyone for all the love & support I have received after losing my little brother. It is appreciated more than you will ever know.
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
“It’s been almost 3 weeks since my younger brother died suddenly. It still seems like a dream, that it’s not real. Surreal. I can’t wrap my hands around the idea that he is now gone forever. I’ll never see him again physically in my natural life. Here today, gone tomorrow. No goodbye, just gone in a blink. Many things to me that seemed to matter before his death no longer carry the same importance. Life is fragile. This is sadly one of the most painful reminders of it for me. But the show must go on. So, until I see you on the other side, let’s give it hell. I’m sure you wouldn’t want me to do it any other way. Respect.”
– Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
*Taken from: https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
***Photo by Steve Mark
3 weeks ago today, my younger brother, Brian, died unexpectedly. I kind of just immersed myself in the gym since then to help cope with all the emotions that have come along with it. 99% has helped me mentally, so I guess the physical bonus is the remaining 1%. PS, I had to replace my phone with this temporary one, a Galaxy A15 from 2023, and the photos aren’t clear. No bueno.
*Taken from:
https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/   
“I’m going to miss my younger Brian and the lasting impression, legacy, and memories he left behind to so many during the time God blessed me with him.”
– Your Big Brother
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonglobe/name/brian-quinlan-obituary?id=58463824
“We’ll have a stone for you soon. Love, your big brother.”
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonglobe/name/brian-quinlan-obituary?id=58463824
https://youtu.be/2s2QRS_qHTY
💔
💔
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonglobe/name/brian-quinlan-obituary?id=58463824
https://youtu.be/2s2QRS_qHTY
*Taken from Instagram:
I just stared my day with my brother, some water, and morning sunlight💔
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonglobe/name/brian-quinlan-obituary?id=58463824
https://youtu.be/2s2QRS_qHTY
*Taken from John Quinlan’s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
Friday afternoon, it was nice seeing you just now Brian,
even though it’s truly not the way I ever imagined it to be 💔
My younger brother Brian loved his BMW, tough saying goodbye to something he loved so much. I’ll miss you Brian – Love, Your Big Brother
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025 💔
*Taken from: https://youtube.com/shorts/1t1ODiLdwkA
I’m half a century old, and in times of sadness and adversity,
what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
*Taken from: https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
*Taken from Official Site: https://www.johnjquinlan.com/
 
I learned yesterday my younger brother, Brian’s, cause of death was a heart attack. I’ll never get over the whole “Gone Forever” thing in the blink of an eye. I can’t thank everyone enough for all the love & support sent my way. It has meant the world to me. 
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
& YouTube: https://youtube.com/shorts/DgpweUWd8uc
*Taken from: https://www.johnjquinlan.com/
Thank you Patricia ❤️
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
It’s been about 2 months now since God suddenly called you home far too early. I miss our younger days together. I miss our debates about sports, movies, and wrestling. I miss the Top 10 Lists. I miss it all. Love, your big brother 💔 Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
*Taken from: https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
It truly was your favorite 💔
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
*Taken from: https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025 💔 
*Taken from: https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
Finally picked you out a stone today little brother. Love you. ❤️
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025*
*Taken from: https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
This was my late brother’s Ed Hardy cologne he got when it debuted in 2008. It was still half full, buried in a drawer when he died. So, I dusted off its cobwebs, and I’ve worn it every day until today, when it ran out.*  It reminded me of him and our younger days together. ❤️
*Taken from: https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
Today marks 3 months since I lost my younger brother. It’s hard to see these photos of him from high school again after all these years. That was a great era. I haven’t been able to come across any of his 1995 senior year stuff yet, so if anyone has any photos, please DM me. I’m still in disbelief. I love you, little brother. I’ll always keep the special memories close to my heart.* ❤️
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonglobe/name/brian-quinlan-obituary?id=58463824
*All taken off social media @ https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
I’d like to personally thank Mr. Michael Interbartolo Jr. for his generous donation to The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation on behalf of my late younger brother Brian. Today, August 17th, marks the 3-month anniversary of my brother’s passing. I mentioned the B+ Foundation in my brother’s eulogy for his sizable donation supporting me in the Face of Horror Contest (2023). Special heartfelt thanks to Andrew’s dad, Joe McDonough, for this personal letter. I have no words, Joe, to express how sorry I am about Andrew. You’re a good man; keep doing God’s work.* ❤️
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonglobe/name/brian-quinlan-obituary?id=58463824
All taken off social media @ https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
I must have thought of my brother at least a dozen times before 8am today. I snapped this photo early this morning standing on a sidewalk. They say the stages of grief are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. I think I went right from denial to depression. I’m not depressed; I’d say in my case it’s disappointment & sadness but still in some denial. Shock and disbelief, struggling to accept the reality of the loss. I don’t think I’ll ever fully accept that reality.* I think seeing his youth sports photos the other day hit me the hardest. To everyone out there reading this who has experienced loss, my heart goes out to you. A friend of mine said to me today, “It doesn’t get easier; it just becomes normal.” 
*Taken from:
https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
It Never Gets Easier
*Taken from: https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
It was tough “letting go” today. My brother’s car is now gone and it’s symbolic of the new reality.
Life is hard. I love you bro.
Brian William Quinlan ❤️
February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
*Taken from: https://youtube.com/shorts/9W5ivPwn2Lk
My late younger brother from his senior prom in 1995. I respected you for being unique and not caring about what others thought about you. Probably the only one in a gray tuxedo and you wore it well. I miss those simple times, the talks, and our youth. I love you bro ❤️
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025*
https://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/brain-quinlan
*Taken from Instagram Stories
*Taken from John “Stoneface” Quinlan’s Instagram:
This was dedicated to my late younger brother. Get it on Amazon and Barnes & Noble ❤️
https://www.amazon.com/Resilience-Reinvention-Stoneface-John-Quinlan-ebook/dp/B0FPKSG89V/ & https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/resilience-and-reinvention-john-quinlan/1148178691
Seeing your headstone for the very first time right now brings this tragedy to a final full circle. In life, through your actions, you believed in me. If you were here, you’d say, “The best is yet to come.” I’m going to move forward with that belief and do my best to fulfill that. I’ll always miss you, little brother, in my heart forever. The show must go on, so let’s get after it together. Love, Your Big Brother ❤️*
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
Taken from: https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
With my late younger brother Brian in happy times back in the 90’s in our 20’s. What a great era! Until I see you again, these memories will help keep me going. Just like this photo, I thank you for so many of them. Love, Your Big Brother ❤️*
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
*Taken from: https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
Miss you bro, rest easy ❤️ *
*Taken from story @ https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
It’s been 6 months, and today I was notified your headstone was finally completed. Beautiful lettering, a really nice stone, little brother. Love you. ❤️
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025 ❤️*
*Taken from both: https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
& https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fSrB3TEpJX0
This definitely puts life in perspective now 💔*
*Taken from: https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
This definitely puts life in perspective now 💔*
*Taken from: https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
& https://www.youtube.com/shorts/eCsAOksw4OM
This photo was created by an angel of me and Brian. It represents how I’ll forever remember my late younger brother. 2 kids on a baseball field enjoying life. Love you ❤️
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025
*Taken from: https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
Happy heavenly birthday to my brother Brian, he would have been 49 years old today. This will sadly forever be surreal to me. Gone too soon ❤️
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025 
*Taken from: https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/
Happy heavenly birthday to my brother Brian, he would have been 49 years old today. This will sadly forever be surreal to me. Gone too soon ❤️
Brian William Quinlan, February 12, 1977 – May 17, 2025 
*Taken from: https://www.instagram.com/therealjohnjquinlan/