Quigley helped found Riverdale Art Association, started business

Longtime Riverdale resident Barnabas “Barney” Quigley died on Jan. 26. He was 79.

He lived in the neighborhood since 1969 and originally came from Nelson, New Hampshire, where he maintained a seasonal cottage on Nubanusit Lake with his wife for the past 35 years. Son of the late Albert D. and Mildred Quigley of Nelson, he is survived by his wife Nancy and daughter Darcy, both of Riverdale, plus several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Mr. Quigley attended local public schools in the Monadnock region and went on to New England College in Henniker after four years in the Navy. He began his post-college career as a science teacher and co-founded a student hiking club in the Catskills. After moving to New York City, he built his own business as a marine surveyor, from which he retired in 2001. An accomplished potter along with his wife for more than 30 years, they exhibited in many juried shows and were founding members of the Riverdale Art Association. 

Known for his irrepressible, puckish sense of humor, Mr. Quigley was a gentleman who understood and valued the best parts of life. He often said he never met an oyster he didn’t like, and there wasn’t a dog or cat that didn’t like him. Always quick to spin a story, yarn, joke or contra dance partner, he loved to travel and had a great appreciation for the arts. Above all the things he did in his life, it was the people he knew and loved that he treasured most. 

His father, artist and musician Albert D. Quigley, will be honored in the summer of 2017 as part of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the town of Nelson. Barnabas Quigley was helping develop a catalogue and collection of his father’s paintings and related works, which will be exhibited at the Historical Society of Cheshire County in Keene, New Hampshire. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests one of the following tax-deductible options: Contribute to the Albert Quigley exhibit by making checks payable (and sending) to the “Historical Society of Cheshire County” at 246 Main St., Keene, NH 03431, writing “Albert D. Quigley Exhibit Committee” in the memo line. Or contribute to Habitat for Humanity or to the Bronx River Alliance.

Family said plans are being made for a New York gathering in celebration of Mr. Quigley’s life within the month and for a New Hampshire gathering this summer.