A Centenarian’s Journey from War to Wisdom Aboard the Battleship New Jersey
In a heartfelt gathering aboard the legendary Battleship New Jersey, John “Johnny Q” Quinesso Sr. recently celebrated his 100th birthday. Surrounded by loved ones, the World War II veteran was honored with a special luncheon, underscoring his enduring legacy of service.
The event, which took place last Thursday ahead of his January 24 birthday, highlighted Quinesso’s lifelong dedication to service — a commitment that extends well beyond his years as a Navy Radioman 2nd Class in the South Pacific during WWII.
Quinesso, a native of South Jersey, has devoted over 20 years as a volunteer at the Battleship New Jersey Museum, imparting his experiences to students and visitors worldwide. “I call the Battleship New Jersey my second home,” Quinesso remarked. “I’ve been a tour guide here for over 20 years. It’s one of the most wonderful things I’ve ever done in my life.”
For him, educating visitors is a way to communicate the profound impact of freedom. “To let them know that without the battleship, we may not be able to start building our freedom today,” he emphasized.
Quinesso embarked on his naval career fresh out of high school in 1943, serving on the LSM-302, a vessel crucial in transporting troops and supplies throughout the Pacific. His missions spanned Wake Island, Guam, Okinawa, and Saipan amidst some of the conflict’s fiercest battles.
A pivotal moment during his service occurred off the coast of Guam. While on midnight radio watch, Quinesso received a life-altering message: ‘The Japanese had surrendered. The war is over.’ He vividly remembers the ship erupting in celebration, “That was my most glorious moment. I’ll never forget it — it feels like yesterday.”
Upon his return, Quinesso forged a successful 43-year career as an IRS agent. However, the reopening of the Battleship New Jersey as a museum in 2001 offered him a chance to channel his passion for history and education.
Marshall Spevak, CEO of the Battleship New Jersey Museum, acknowledges the significance of Quinesso’s contributions, “There’s still a certain reverence when you talk to a World War II veteran. There will only be a few more years where we have World War II vets in this world. That’s why it’s so important that we continue to tell their stories so their legacy lives on.”
At a century old, Quinesso remains active and engaging, often sharing with students how service shaped his life. “I went in as a young boy and came out a grown-up young man,” he reflects. “That’s what service did for me.”
During the celebration, Quinesso was awarded New Jersey’s Distinguished Service Medal, the state’s highest military honor. Yet, for him, the true reward lies in the stories he shares and the connections he forges aboard his beloved ship.
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