Known to all as Tom, he was born in New York City on September 2, 1945 to Irene and Terrance Quinn. His family lived in Long Island City, across the East River from Manhattan. He attended Rice High School in New York City, and graduated with a BA from City College of New York.

In 1974 he opened his first restaurant, The Ancient Mariner in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Over the years he also owned and operated restaurants in New York City; New Milford, CT; Lake Placid, NY; Ft. Lauderdale, FL and an ice cream parlor in Martha's Vineyard, MA. His Lake Placid location supplied meals for the American athletes during the 1980 Winter Olympics, and his most ambitious undertaking was the building, and subsequent opening of The Water's Edge. A barge restaurant in Long Island City, it became a popular dining spot and famously hosted Billy Joel's wedding to his first wife, Christine Brinkley.

Various members of Tom's family worked at the Water's Edge, and the family celebrated birthdays, communions and anniversaries at The Water's Edge and his other locations. Tom was a free spirit who ran marathons, and a dreamer who often made those dreams a reality. His generosity to his family and friends will never be forgotten.

Tom is predeceased by his parents and beloved niece Melissa Jean Rodriquez. He is survived by his brother Edward (Linda), sister Carol Rodriquez (James), ex-wife Maureen Quinn, niece Lisa Jemison (Chad), nephews Matthew Quinn (Gretchen) and Brian Quinn (Vanessa), four grand nieces and a grand nephew.