Obituary: Thomas F. Quinn, 79, Of Fairfield

From Spear-Miller Funeral Home:

Thomas F. Quinn, 79, a lifelong resident of Fairfield, Connecticut, passed away peacefully in the late evening hours of April 26, 2021. A graduate of both Fairfield Prep and Fairfield University (class of 1963), Tom and his wife of 56 years, Grace K. Quinn, raised a family of six sons and enjoyed the love of 10 grandchildren.

Tom’s professional work started as assistant treasurer for the city of Bridgeport and then progressed to a career in food over the next 30-plus years with General Foods, Kraft and Rich Products. His passions were always family first, the support of veterans (he was a veteran and an active member of American Legion Post 143) and supporting the town of Fairfield, especially the children and schools in town.

His support of his family included many years as Cub Scout leader, Little League coach, as well as being a fixture at Warde High School football games and wrestling matches. Despite business travel, he seldom missed a school function or concert as family came first. Tom was a past Post Commander at American Legion Post 143 and was inducted into the CT Veterans Hall of Fame in 2017. He was also chairman multiple times of Fairfield’s annual Memorial Day parade, which held a special place in his heart both for the recognition of military service and the different youth organizations and bands that marched in the annual event.

After retirement, Tom took on the new charge of working with the town of Fairfield as building committee chairman to rebuild multiple elementary schools, specifically Riverfield, Holland Hill and Mill Hill schools. He took great pride in his work on behalf of the students and faculty of each of the schools and was deeply touched by the personal relationship he had with everyone at those schools and throughout all the town departments, including all the emergency response personnel. He was honored to receive the recognition of Fairfielder of the Year in 2017.

He was also an active member of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Fairfield, supporting the church in a number of capacities.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Grace; his sons, Tom, Jim, John, Pat, Pete and Mike; their wives; 10 grandchildren; his brother, John Quinn, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be 2-6 p.m. Sunday at Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Fairfield. Entombment will be private in Lawncroft Cemetery. Face masks and social distancing guidelines will be followed for all services. In lieu of flowers, friends may consider a donation in Tom’s memory to the Smilow Cancer Center. P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508 or Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Road, Fairfield, CT 06825. For information or to offer an online condolence, visit www.SpearFuneralHome.com