Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA) - September 12, 1989

Ernest F. Quillia, 88, of 11 Lake Ave. died Saturday in St. Vincent Hospital.

His wife, Mary K. (Hazelton) Quillia, died in 1963.  He leaves a nephew, Clarence "Skip" Quillia of Westboro.  He was born in Worcester, son of Albert and Elizabeth (Lagrenade) Quillia, and lived here all his life.

Mr. Quillia was office manager at the former Crompton & Knowles Corp. plant, where he worked for 49 years, retiring in 1966. He then worked for 11 years at Astra Pharmaceutical Products Inc. in Westboro, and organized the Astra Retirement Club.  Mr. Quillia was a pianist and teacher for many years, and played a prominent musical role in the Swedish community.  He was former chairman of the Ward 5 Republican City Committee, and served for 15 years as treasurer and chairman of the finance committee of the Worcester Republican City Committee.

Mr. Quillia was a board director of the Worcester Public Library from 1939 to 1944, and was chairman of the board in 1944. In 1956, he was appointed by Gov. Christian A. Herter as a trustee of Worcester State Hospital, and served a seven-year term. He was also chairman of the hospital board of trustees.  He served on the Worcester Community Chest campaign, and was a corporator of Bay State Savings Bank.  Mr. Quillia was a member of St. Margaret Mary's Church and Adelphi Council, Knights of Columbus in Shrewsbury. He was a charter member and former president of Worcester Chapter, Associated Speakers Clubs.

The funeral will be held tomorrow from Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave., with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Margaret Mary's Church, 75 Alvarado Ave. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery.  There are no calling hours. The family requests that flowers be omitted.