Candido Patricio "Patron" Quinones, M.D.

Candido P. Quiñones, MD, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, physician and friend, passed away on September 19, 2026, shortly after celebrating his 87th birthday.

Born on September 4, 1939, in Loma de Cabrera, Dominican Republic, Candido was the son of Eldemira and Lisandro Quiñones. Raised in a military family, medicine and service were influences in his life from an early age. His father was a physician in the military, and Candido would ultimately follow his own calling into medicine.

Candido attended the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, where he earned his Doctor en Medicina degree on August 31, 1965. On June 24, 1966, he married Ramona Zunilda Castillo, beginning a marriage and partnership that would span 60 years. Shortly after their marriage, the young physicians came to the United States to continue their medical training. Their original intention was to return to the Dominican Republic, but life led them in another direction. They remained in the United States, built their medical careers and raised their family here.

Their son, Patricio Antonio Quiñones, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1967, followed by their daughter, Zunilda Elizabeth Benjamin, in Berkeley, West Virginia, in 1970. Their journey eventually brought the family to the New York and New Jersey area, where Candido established a long and distinguished career as a radiologist.

For more than 50 years, Candido dedicated himself to medicine, education and helping others, continuing to practice until his retirement at the age of 77. During his career, he practiced at Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, New Jersey, Columbia Hospital in New York, New York, and later at Saint Michael’s Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey, where he concluded his medical career. He was respected by colleagues and recognized for his contributions to medicine and education, but his impact extended well beyond professional titles. Over the course of his career, he cared for countless patients and shared his knowledge and experience with students, colleagues and other medical professionals.

Candido also maintained a strong connection to his Dominican heritage and medical community. For many years, he was an active member of the Sociedad Médica Dominicana, an organization committed to representing and supporting Dominican medical professionals in the United States while finding ways to contribute to communities both here and in the Dominican Republic. His involvement reflected values that remained important to him throughout his life: service, community, education and giving back.

To family and friends, Candido was affectionately known as “Patrón.” The name was one of both affection and respect. As the eldest and the wise man of the group, he was someone people looked to for guidance — a steady presence, trusted adviser, storyteller and friend. He loved people, enjoyed conversation and had a natural instinct to help others. Those qualities were evident throughout his medical career, but they extended far beyond it. He was generous with his knowledge, his time and, most importantly, himself.

Candido also knew how to enjoy life. He loved music and dancing, especially salsa; appreciated a good Scotch and a glass of red wine; enjoyed trips to the casino and playing the slot machines; and was a lifelong New York Yankees fan. He enjoyed good food, good conversation, laughter and time spent with the people he loved. Those who knew him will remember not only the things he enjoyed, but the warmth and unmistakable presence he brought wherever he went.

At the center of Candido’s life was his family. He loved his children deeply and took tremendous pride in his family. His devotion to Ramona became particularly evident later in their lives as her needs changed and he became her caregiver. He approached that role with patience, tenderness, loyalty and an unwavering sense of responsibility. His care for the woman with whom he shared six decades of marriage reflected perhaps most clearly the kindness and goodness that defined him throughout his life.

Candido is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Ramona Zunilda Quiñones; his son, Patricio Antonio Quiñones; his daughter, Zunilda Elizabeth Benjamin; his cherished grandchildren, Preston Mark Benjamin, Sophia Elizabeth Benjamin and Alexa Ehrenreich; his brother, Frank Quiñones and his sister-in-law Margarita Quiñones. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Eldemira and Lisandro Quiñones, and his brother, Guillermo Quiñones and sister-in-law, Eliana Quiñones Puig.

Candido leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond his accomplishments in medicine. It lives in the patients he cared for, the people he helped, the students and professionals he influenced, the friendships he nurtured and, above all, the family to whom he devoted his life. Those fortunate enough to have known “Patrón” will remember his wisdom, generosity, humor, warmth, strength and extraordinary capacity to love.

His was a life of service, family, friendship and love — a life that made the world better simply because he was in it. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Family and friends are invited to attend visitation at Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Ave. Union, New Jersey, on Monday, October 5, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 10:00 am at St. James the Apostle Church in Springfield, New Jersey, followed by interment at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, New Jersey.

Zoom livestreams will be available for those who wish to view the services for Candido. Information and links are below:

Visitation Zoom

Monday, October 5, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Meeting ID 997 533 3817 Password: 2800

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9975333817?pwd=YmdZa2g1ZGJPODcxclNsNWRmc2M3dz09&omn=89687826150

Funeral Mass

Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 10:00 am

Meeting ID 997 533 3817 Password: 2800

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9975333817?pwd=YmdZa2g1ZGJPODcxclNsNWRmc2M3dz09&omn=81686835297