Mr. Thomas C. Quinn

Tom Quinn 11/18/1957 — 11/11/2020 Come all without Come all within You'll not see nothing like the Mighty Quinn The Mighty Quinn …. Where to even begin with all that Tom Quinn was, and all that he left behind? The basics are this: from Summit, NJ, youngest child of Carolyn and Edward Quinn, (deceased); brother to Richard, Michael and Tim (all deceased), and loving brother to Kathie (Macel) Quinn, and Patricia (Munson) Quinn; loving husband of 26 years to wife Maggie Coyne, and devoted father to daughter Spencer Quinn (20), and son, Declan Quinn (18). And he was friend, and brother again, to so many others whose lives he touched indelibly. He was a legend, a rock star, Qball, TQ, the center of the party, the instigator, the leader, whose wit, humor, exuberance and passion defined everything about him. That passion was evident in everything he loved: family, friends, food, sports, culture, and music. Always music. Tom was passionate about food. Tom loved (in no particular order), good sushi (Shumi, Damaitsu), pan-seared scallops, grilled swordfish, Towne Deli iced tea, Milburn Deli sloppy joes, Trost's Danish, the "Seven Sisters," Natale's petit fours, Marco Polo's veal marsala, all kinds of fresh, warm doughnuts (he would think nothing of a one hour drive for a doughnut run), Chicken or the Egg wings, Holiday Snack Bar key lime pie, Country Kettle Chowda, Summit Diner breakfast, creamy Brie, and fresh, in season Jersey tomatoes and corn. Sharing these was a part of the everyday experience and joy of life. Tom was passionate about music. Music was an integral part of his life and he always wanted to share the latest band, tune, version of a song, performance, etc. Many of his friendships began, and then continued through shared concerts and, back in the day, "tape trading" of favorite artists and performances. He was a D.J. and could "hear" the perfect song that should come next, even if it was one that was not sanctioned by the station. His midnight to 6 a.m. shifts at WHTG.FM were masterful, as his knowledge of music was vast, and his segues genius. They were worth staying up for. So many family and friends still have and treasure, the mixed tapes / CDs, playlists he made them, often themed for different times in their lives, and always a gift. He also hosted an annual Labor Day weekend party, "Quinnapalooza" where he gathered musician friends to play live in the backyard, as he acted as front man / singer for the damn good once a year band. Of course it was a party with Quinco foods on the grill, and lots of other friends to join in the festivities. He was always seeking out new artists, so the list of his favorites here is incomplete and only a fraction of his wide and varied catalogue. In no particular order, he loved: U2, XTC, Allman Brothers, Wilco, Radiohead, Elbow, Prince, Talking Heads, Courtney Barnett, James Brown, Midnight Oil, Grateful Dead, Lucinda Williams, Luka Bloom, Christy Moore, Bruce Springsteen, Brandi Carlile, and Susan Tedeschi. Tom was passionate about the NY Giants, NY Yankees, and his fantasy football league, the FFFL. Tom worked on the sidelines of the NY football Giants, and later as the sideline crew chief, for more than 38 years. He followed as sideline crew chief after his father Ed retired (after serving the Giants more than 45 years). He was proud to be part of this esteemed organization, and loved being down on the field, seeing the action up close, and providing an important role in the home games. He got to meet (and charm), many players and celebrities over the years, and of course had lots of great stories to share. He got to see the Giants play as a fan in several Super Bowls and at away games he attended with friends. He was also a lifelong Yankees fan, and got to see several World Series games where the legendary Yankees won and went on to another victory (27!). He shared this love with his family and many of his friends. Finally, Tom started decades ago, and was the "commissioner" of, a fantasy football league that continues to this day. While competition was certainly part of the equation, the chance to have calls and share sports talk with friends about a shared passion, was just as big a draw. Tom was passionate about culture, movies, TV, and travel. Tom sought out movies, TV shows, Netflix series and other cultural touchstones. He was always the first one to recommend what you should be watching/ viewing / taking in, and cultivated good media and wanted to share it. He loved to discuss shows as part of storytelling, as he was a consummate storyteller. This was just another aspect of his wide and varied interests in all things social. And boy was he social! And he loved to travel and have new experiences (with great food of course). We were lucky enough to get to Ireland four times, including our honeymoon, and he had many "mancations" with friends to places like Green Bay, Seattle, San Diego, and New Orleans. His last trip this past year was with his daughter Spencer to see a concert in Woodstock. He also won contests as a top salesman with Horizon Foods, and we got to travel to Mexico, the Bahamas, Key West, and Aruba. Tom was passionate about his family and friends. Tom loved his parents, siblings, wife, children, and all his extended family and friends, including so many as "brothers." He was invested in their happiness and wellbeing, and could always be relied upon as a carefully listening ear, and a caring audience. And boy was he funny. Inventive and witty, sometimes acerbic, droll, always smart and incisive, humor was his calling card. He helped and inspired many with his creative and often humorous approach to solving life's problems. I was lucky enough to be swept off my feet by him 31 years ago, happily a boat in his joyous wake. I'm sure so many others feel the same. Make way for the Tom Quinn sailing, he's off to open waters, and we left behind are lesser for his passing and will miss him always. Photo courtesy of Nancy Knapp. At this time, due to COVID, we do not have a formal reception planned. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local food bank, especially at this time when so many face food insecurity.