Michael R. Quinlan obit

Michael R. Quinlan

December 9, 1944  -  September 22, 2025 

He was not on the list.

Michael R. Quinlan, aged 80, a native of Chicago’s West Side and a pioneering business leader whose rise from humble beginnings to the helm of McDonald’s Corporation is remembered for his extraordinary achievements and generous spirit.

Quinlan was the first in his family to attend college. A graduate of Fenwick High School class of 1962, his academic achievements earned him a full-tuition scholarship to Loyola. As a lifelong supporter of the Fenwick Friars, Quinlan was grateful for his high-quality Dominican education that placed him on a path for success.

From 1962 to 1970, Quinlan earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy and psychology and then a master's in business administration from Loyola. In 1963, he was hired by McDonald’s Corporation to a position in the mailroom, where he worked 25 hours a week to pay for books and housing.

Quinlan rose through the ranks at McDonald's to become its president and CEO in 1987 and its third chairman of the board in 1990, following Ray Kroc and Fred Turner. Under his leadership, McDonald’s experienced exponential growth and expansion throughout the world. Quinlan served as director from 1979 until his retirement in 2002.

Quinlan was deeply committed to giving back, especially to the institutions like Fenwick HIgh School, where he was a member of the Hall of Fame, and the communities that shaped him. He championed the construction of a Ronald McDonald House near Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois, to provide support for children facing serious illness and their families.

In 1988, Loyola awarded Quinlan an honorary Doctor of Law degree. He was named chairman of Loyola’s Board of Trustees in 1999, overseeing a period of robust enrollment growth and significant capital improvements across the University’s campuses. He became a Life Trustee in 2013.

In 2004, the Quinlans made a major donation to fund the construction of the Michael R. and Marilyn C. Quinlan Life Sciences Education and Research Center on Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus. In 2005, Loyola awarded him the Sword of Loyola in recognition of his extraordinary leadership.

In 2012, Quinlan made a transformative $40 million gift to Loyola’s business school, which led to its renaming as the Michael R. Quinlan School of Business. This gift enabled the school to fund new programs, support more students, and expand its facilities.

He frequently spoke of the Jesuit ethic of being “people for others,” and of gratitude. He remained connected to Loyola throughout his life, expressing that he had “received far more from Loyola than [he] had given.” His life story stands as testament to perseverance, leadership, and service.

He leaves behind an enduring legacy: in the communities he served, the institutions he strengthened, and in the countless individuals whose lives were touched by his generosity.

Quinlan was a Life Trustee of Fenwick High School and Ronald McDonald House Charities. He held honorary doctorate degrees from Elmhurst University and Illinois Benedictine University.

Mike Quinlan was pre-deceased by his beloved wife of 54 years, Marilyn, son Kevin, parents Robert and Jan Quinlan, sister Nancy (Mike) O’Brien and his brother Bobby. He is survived by his devoted son Michael (fiancée, William Beggs), his treasured grandchildren Shane (Melanie) Quinlan and Kayla Quinlan (fiancée, Cameron Shaffer), and great granddaughter Molly. He will be deeply missed by his sister Katie (John) Churchill, brother Terry (Diane) Quinlan, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their gratitude and appreciation to his wonderful caregivers Laura, Zophia and our angel Mary for their unrelenting care and love for Mike. He loved you all, and we are eternally grateful to you.

Visitation will be held Tuesday September 30th from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Sullivan Funeral Home, 60 South Grant Street, Hinsdale, IL. 60521.

Funeral Mass Wednesday October 1st 10:30 am at Notre Dame Church, 64 Norfolk, Clarendon Hills, IL. 60514. Interment Private.