Thomas Patrick Quinn

Thomas P Quinn Jr, 88 of Flagler Beach, FL, peacefully let go of this life, grabbed his son Tucker’s hand, and was ushered into Heaven’s gates just in time to enjoy the celebration of Christmas this year.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, his first born son Tucker, and his big sister Rita Cominski.

Born In Belfast, Ireland October 14, 1932 to Thomas Sr. and Bridget Gillen, Thomas was a 100% spud loving, veggie loathing, high spirited, jovial Irishman through and through. He immigrated to the US at two years old, and was raised in the Bronx. He became a US citizen at 18 so that he may serve in our United States Air force. He served 4 years during the Korean conflict, earning recognition as a sharpshooter and receiving the Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Award.

Married to his childhood sweetheart for 68 years, Thomas is survived by his loving wife Betty, who since the age of 13, could never resist those baby blue eyes and captivating singing voice. He and Betty moved to Hicksville and later Seaford, Long Island, creating the family he treasured and cared for. With deliberate protection, a constant voice of reason and sustained assurance, and complete dedication, the patriarch of our family emerged. He worked tirelessly to provide, and gave his family the magic that is Montauk. He is absolutely adored by his children. His joyful spirit lives on in Linda, Terence, and Kelly, his six grandchildren Erin, Rosemarie, and Patrick Cicalese, Dylan, Kaylee, and Jai Van Rij, and his four great grandchildren Hunter, Claire, Grant, Harper, and one more one on the way. To them, he is a wondrous man, whose influence is eternal.

Thomas spent his entire career with one company, and retired as an executive with AT& T. His true passion, however, was music. His pure, resonant tones were nothing short of Rat Pack quality. Add bass, guitar, church choir, and, in later years the organ and you have yourself one exceptional artist.

Thomas moved to Florida upon retiring. His enthusiastic love for golf inspired his second career as a club maker. This did not exclude him however, from having to exercise his skill of utmost patience, as he took Mulligans for being in the “bloody burn” again.

Tom took to the skies and spent many an hour soaring high in the clouds in a Cessna, fulfilling his dream of flying, feeding his desire for excitement, and enjoying the beauty of our world below. We could also say, an ankle tied bungee at 80 years old off the highest bridge in the world also accomplished this desire.

Always with a smile on his face and up for a good jaunt, Tom’s sense of humor brightened the lives of any and all who knew him. He was famous for making up his own sayings which have carried down through generations and are known and understood only by the Quinn’s. Purposely changing the words of songs to throw his band members off was a frequent occurrence, as was tangling up his fingers and going off on self made riff during organ lessons. Many knew of his living room Jeopardy champion status, and his coveted crossword puzzle crackerjack title.

Always making himself available to lend a hand, speak a word of encouragement, or give clarity to a situation, this warmhearted, reliable, selfless, trustworthy man is remembered with a smile by all who were blessed to know him in this life.

When asked for a parting word, he might quote this Irish saying.

“As you slide down the banisters of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way.”