Brian Jay Quinnell, 53, born May 15, 1969, in St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 3, 2022, in New Port Richey while surrounded by loving family members. Brian is survived by his mother Kathleen, father Raymond, brother Guy, sisters Charlene and April, nieces Kierstin, Aliyah, Aniyah, Alexis, Leaha, nephews Raymond, TJ, Hunter, Aaron, AJ, Levi, Uncle Dale, Aunt Kathy, as well as numerous other cousins, among them a special cousin Dean. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, a stepfather Norm, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Brian grew up in New Port Richey and attended public schools there while graduating from Ridgewood High School, class of 1988. When young he showed exceptional athletic capabilities. He played organized baseball along with his brother.
Brian excelled at baseball under Coach Beets and wanted to pursue his dream of performing at a higher level. He later had major league tryouts which looked promising. His dream was cut short due to an extensive knee injury, requiring reconstructive surgery. Brian then turned his attention to golf and became a scratch golfer, having two holes in one. His drives of a golf ball were characterized as “long and lonely,” meaning that the golf ball upon landing was extremely long and straight away from its launching point. While practicing at a local driving range Brian would need to be reminded that he was not allowed to hit golf balls using his driver. The reason is they would often sail over three hundred yards above the very tall fence which protected the property on the other side thus causing property owners to complain. He played in many golf tournaments with family and friends.
Brian enjoyed being outdoors and was an avid hunter, especially for deer, hogs, and turkeys. He often bragged about two trophies: a mounted 34-point buck and an exceptionally large bass. As a fisherman, he delighted in teaching his nephew AJ the ins and outs of fishing.
Brian was an avid Tampa Bay Rays and Bucs fan. He became a terrific water skier and perfected the art of skiing barefoot. He loved country music and blue was his favorite color. His mom’s Tuesday tacos became his favorite food. He loved the spicy sauce and also enjoyed black pepper, just like his grandma, which he used on almost everything he ate. He taught golf at a local golf course, once worked at Circuit City years ago, and was employed by UPS for a number of years. Brian enjoyed cooking/smoking beef and pork with his neighbor while sharing recipes. He was an active block watch participant which included helping neighbors wherever he could. Jeff Dunham was his most liked ventriloquist, and his favorite dummy character was Achmed the Dead Terrorist, whose famous line “Silence! I kill you” left Brian in stitches. The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff of Mease Countryside Hospital – as well as Marliere Hospice House for their many hours of caring devotion to Brian’s needs and for the many kindnesses extended to his family. Additionally, thank you to Dobies Funeral Home for their compassionate help during this unexpected loss of Brian. Dobies Funeral Home is aiding the family with cremation services. The family will have a private ceremony to celebrate Brian’s life. His ashes will be spread at an undisclosed location.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Marliere Hospice House in New Port Richey.
Condolences may be expressed online at [email protected].