Obituary of Hector Quinones

Hector Quinones, age 80, of Chapel Hill NC and New York NY, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on October 19, 2024.

Hector Quinones was born on September 28, 1944 in The Bronx, NY. His nickname among his family was “Chino”.  He and his sister Edna were raised by their mother until her death when Hector was just ten years old.  Young Hector was fortunate to have the loving support and kindness of some very special people, especially The Fields who treated him like family. 

Throughout his life, Hector loved sports.  Competing on his high school and the YMCA’s swimming and diving teams were some of his happiest memories.  He studied Karate and enjoyed the competitions as well.  

Hector had a long and successful career as a music producer in New York City, enabling him to mentor and collaborate with many talented recording artists. 

He was a caring and compassionate man who loved animals.  When out walking his dogs, Hector often befriended neighbors and shopkeepers and became a regular fixture wherever he lived.  If anyone ever needed anything, he always stepped up to help.

When Hector and Keiko were ready to retire in 2009, they chose Chapel Hill NC where they had visited family many times throughout the years.  Hector loved living in Chapel Hill, made wonderful new friends, and, at age 70, trained for and successfully completed two triathlons, even while undergoing radiation treatments.  In 2021, their son Masaya left NYC and moved to Chapel Hill to be closer to his parents.

Hector had many serious health issues over the years, but he always remained positive.  Even during his rapid decline in the past year and a half, he remained hopeful that one day he would be the oldest man to complete Hawaii’s Iron Man Triathlon. 

Hector is survived by his wife of 50 years Keiko Konishi Quinones and their son Masaya, Hector’s daughter Shana, his sister Edna Rivera and her son Michael and his daughter Josie, and his brother-in-law Masaya Konishi and his wife Julie and their son Matthew.  We will miss his big-hearted embrace, his wacky sense of humor, and his joie de vivre.

Hector was a man of deep and abiding faith.  He died peacefully in his sleep in his own home, next to the woman that he loved, and near his dear little beagle Opie.  May he rest in peace.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, November 4, 2024 at 10:30 am at:

St Thomas More Church

940 Carmichael St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

A reception and luncheon will be held at St Thomas More immediately following the service. 

After the repast, attendees may proceed to a graveside service at 1:30 pm at:

Raleigh Memorial Park Cemetery

7501 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

Seymour Friends *

2551 Homestead Rd, Chapel Hill NC 27517

(919) 968-2070

https://www.friendsoftheseymourcenter.org/

* The Seymour Friends is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the high quality of activities and programs for seniors offered at the Seymour Senior Center in Chapel Hill NC.