Chicago-native and former McDonalds CEO Michael Quinlan has died at the age of 80.
Quinlan, who was raised on Chicago’s West Side and attended Fenwick High School and Loyola University Chicago, died on September 22, according to an obituary posted by the Sullivan Family Funeral Homes.
He became the CEO of McDonalds in 1987, after rising through the company’s ranks from his initial position in the mailroom, according to the obituary. Three years later, he became chairman of the company, following behind Ray Kroc and Fred Turner.
He was critical in the construction of the Ronald McDonald House in Maywood, providing support to children facing serious illnesses and their families.
Loyola Chicago posted a tribute to Quinlan on social media.
President Reed shared the news of Quinlan’s death in a message to the Loyola Chicago community, saying in part, “His legacy of leadership will continue to shape and strengthen Loyola for generations to come, ensuring that Loyola students receive the education and formation they need to become leaders who are, above all, people for others.”
Quinlan’s generous donation of $40 million to Loyola Chicago in 2012 led to the school’s naming of the “Quinlan School of Business” and the designation of a block of Chicago’s State Street at the corner of East Pearson Street as Honorary Michael R. Quinlan Way.
“Mike’s legacy surrounds us every day at a school named in honor of his generosity,” Michael Behnam, dean of the Quinlan School of Business said to Loyola Today. “We will always be inspired by his grit, success, and desire to give back to the school and University that meant so much to him.”
The school also dedicated the Michael R. and Marilyn C. Quinlan Life Sciences Education and Research Center after Quinlan donated $10 million to the university in 2004.
His visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Sullivan Family Funeral Home, 60 South Grant Street in Hinsdale.
The following day, a funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Notre Dame Church, located at 64 Norfolk Avenue in Calderon Hills.
The internment is private.
