BATTLESHIP NEW JERSEY TO HONOR 100-YEAR-OLD WWII VETERAN AND LONGTIME BATTLESHIP NEW JERSEY VOLUNTEER AT FEBRUARY 5 LUNCHEON
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2026
CAMDEN, N.J. — The Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial will celebrate the 100th birthday of World War II Navy veteran and longtime volunteer John “Johnny Q” Quinesso, Sr. during a special luncheon and recognition ceremony aboard the Battleship on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
A lifelong South Jersey resident, Quinesso served three years in the South Pacific as a Radioman 2nd Class (RM2) in the United States Navy. He later served aboard LSM-302, a medium landing ship responsible for transporting troops, tanks, aviation fuel, and critical supplies supporting Allied island-hopping operations across the Pacific Theater.
While standing watch as the ship’s radioman, Quinesso received the historic transmission announcing Japan’s surrender, marking the end of World War II. In a moment he still proudly recounts, he immediately rushed to the captain’s cabin to personally deliver the news. His wartime service took him to Wake Island, Guam, Okinawa, and Saipan.
Following his military service, Quinesso built a 43-year career as an IRS agent. Since the Battleship New Jersey opened as a museum in 2001, he has served as a dedicated volunteer, regularly sharing his experiences with active-duty sailors, students, and visitors. He is also a longtime volunteer at the Millville Army Air Field Museum.
“Johnny represents the very best of the Greatest Generation and the enduring spirit of service that defines our nation,” said Marshall Spevak, CEO of the Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial. “For more than two decades, he has continued serving by educating and inspiring the next generation aboard America’s most decorated battleship. Celebrating his 100th birthday aboard the ship he loves is a tremendous honor for our entire Battleship family.”
New Jersey Acting Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Vincent Solomeno will present a special state medal to Quinesso. Col. Ted Gallagher, USA (Ret.), Camden County Director of Veterans Affairs, will present the Camden County Military Service Medal. Representatives from the offices of U.S. Senator Cory Booker and Congressman Donald Norcross are also expected to participate in the ceremony.
For photos of the celebration, click below:
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial
62 Battleship Place
Camden, NJ 08103
Media are invited to attend. Interview and photo opportunities will be available.
For more information, visit battleshipnewjersey.org or call (856) 966-1652
About Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial:
The Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial is America’s most decorated battleship and serves as a symbol of our nation’s military history and strength. Located on the Camden waterfront, Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to preserving history and educating the public about the service of the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Media Contact:
Julianne DodsDeputy Executive Director of Strategic Growth
Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial
856-966-1652 xx 201
j.dods@battleshipnewjersey.org
CC:
Marshall Spevak, Chief Executive Officer, Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial
Emma Hermo, Social Media Manager, Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial
