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WWII Veteran Celebrates 100th Birthday Aboard Battleship New Jersey
John 'Johnny Q' Quinesso Sr. has spent over 20 years volunteering at the Battleship New Jersey Museum, sharing his experiences and educating visitors.
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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John 'Johnny Q' Quinesso Sr., a 100-year-old World War II Navy veteran, celebrated his milestone birthday aboard the Battleship New Jersey, where he has volunteered for over 20 years as a tour guide. Quinesso served in the South Pacific during WWII and has dedicated his retirement to educating visitors about the ship's history and the cost of freedom.
Why it matters
As the number of surviving WWII veterans dwindles, Quinesso's presence and stories carry increasing significance in preserving the legacy of their service and sacrifice. The Battleship New Jersey Museum aims to ensure that future generations understand the importance of this history.
The details
Quinesso joined the Navy in 1943 at age 19 and served as a Radioman 2nd Class, participating in key battles across the Pacific theater. After the war, he built a 43-year career with the IRS, but when the Battleship New Jersey reopened as a museum in 2001, he found a new calling as a volunteer tour guide, sharing his experiences and educating visitors.
- Quinesso's actual 100th birthday was on January 24.
- The celebration aboard the Battleship New Jersey took place on February 9, 2026.
The players
John 'Johnny Q' Quinesso Sr.
A 100-year-old World War II Navy veteran who has spent over 20 years volunteering at the Battleship New Jersey Museum, sharing his experiences and educating visitors.
Battleship New Jersey Museum
The museum that operates the Battleship New Jersey, the most decorated battleship in U.S. history, with the goal of preserving its legacy and educating the public.
Marshall Spevak
The CEO of the Battleship New Jersey Museum, who emphasizes the importance of preserving the stories of WWII veterans like Quinesso as their numbers dwindle.
What they’re saying
“I call the Battleship New Jersey my second home. I've been a tour guide here for over 20 years. It's one of the most wonderful things I've ever done in my life.”
— John 'Johnny Q' Quinesso Sr., WWII Veteran and Battleship New Jersey Volunteer
“To let them know that without the battleship, we may not be able to start building our freedom today.”
— John 'Johnny Q' Quinesso Sr., WWII Veteran and Battleship New Jersey Volunteer
“There's still a certain reverence when you talk to a World War II veteran. There will only be a few more years where we have World War II vets in this world. That's why it's so important that we continue to tell their stories so their legacy lives on.”
— Marshall Spevak, CEO, Battleship New Jersey Museum
What’s next
The Battleship New Jersey Museum plans to continue hosting events and educational programs to honor Quinesso and other WWII veterans, ensuring their stories and sacrifices are never forgotten.
The takeaway
As one of the few remaining WWII veterans, Quinesso's lifelong dedication to service and educating others about the cost of freedom serves as an inspiring example of how individual stories can preserve the legacy of pivotal historical events and the people who lived through them.
