ICYMI: Quinn Gerard Amsler, 9, of Lexington

Obituary courtesy of Douglass Funeral Home

Quinn Gerard Amsler of Lexington and Mashpee, MA, entered into eternal peace and rest on July 3, 2016 at the tender age of 9, surrounded by his loving brothers Jack and Will and his proud parents Shannon (Nigro) and Joe.

Quinn lived his life with joy and happiness that was contagious to all. He enjoyed beautiful and meaningful friendships with so many, but most of all with his very best friend and tireless supporter, Timmy Morin and his devoted neighborhood buddy, Tarek Stevenson.

Quinn left an indelible heart print on his Nana, Ann Connolly Nigro of Everett, MA and his aunts and uncles: Kelly Doherty, Joe, Erin, Gina and John Nigro, Fred Shepard, Mary Ellen and Dr. Jeffrey Jay, Ann and Joe Corkery and Frank Amsler. Quinn was absolutely adored by his cousins: Michelle and Joey Nigro, Randi and Tommy Doherty, Paulina and James Straticos, Harley, Freddy and Brady Shepard, Lila and Sophia Nigro, Jeffrey Jay, Carolyn, Andre and Barron Williams, Eileen, Joseph, Mary Rose and Sheila Corkery, Danny, Mary Beth and Elise Amsler. Quinn was pre-deceased by his grandparents (Joseph W. Nigro Jr., Francis X. Amsler and Mary Amsler), and his Aunt Helene Nigro-Shepard.

Quinn completed 3rd grade at the Bridge School in Lexington. He was the founder of his own charitable organization called The Quinn Bin and collected thousands of new toys over the last year for patients at Children's Hospital, Dana Farber and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

That charity will continue on in his memory. For details go to The Quinn Bin's Facebook page or thequinnbin.wordpress.com. Quinn, who was exceptionally tall, played for the Middlesex Magic and Boston Warrior basketball teams, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He was a skilled archer, taught by his cousin Joey, whom he idolized. He relaxed by fishing, as well as coming up with incredibly original activities with his devoted Uncle Joe.

He was "employed" by Wagon Wheel Farm Stand and loved bagging groceries and folding deli brochures for them during the last months. He was a member of the Boston College Men's basketball team through the non-profit Team Impact. Quinn enjoyed riding his bicycle as a Patient Pedal Partner of the PMC Kids Ride of Lexington. He was an artist and recently had his work exhibited at the Clarke Gallery in Lincoln, MA.

Quinn was diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in April, 2015 and courageously battled this cancer with resilience and strength. He received exceptional care during this last year from so many doctors, nurses, and medical care providers at The Children's Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute/The Jimmy Fund Clinic, and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana Farber to support pediatric cancer research: The Quinn Amsler Fund, c/o Abigail Buccella, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, Brookline, MA 02445-7226. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, July 6 at St. Brigid Church, 2001 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA from 3pm-8pm & a funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, July 7 at St. Brigid Church at 10am. Relatives & friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment Westview Cemetery.