THOMAS M. QUINN & SONS, INC.
Astoria's Landmark Funeral Home
Thomas M. Quinn
The Quinn Family's association with Long Island City goes back to the community's earliest days. Michael Quinn immigrated in 1850 to make new opportunities for himself away from the famine and persecution suffered in his native Ireland. In 1870, the year Long Island City incorporated, Michael came to Astoria to work on the monumental task of laying out city streets through farmland. He married, and the following year, on July 27, 1871, his son, Thomas M. Quinn was born.
As a young man, Thomas Quinn saw the small yet thriving community of Long Island City develop into the major commercial, industrial, and residential center it is today. After attending public school in Astoria and working in the Post Office, he studied bookkeeping at Cooper Institute, and later went on to New York University graduating in 1899 as a veterinary surgeon. He married Sara McBride. They went on to have seven children.
Quinn Memorial Funeral Home
In 1896, the 25 year old Thomas Quinn saw a change in taste for funeral arrangements. Viewings were moving out of the home into professional undertaking establishments. That year he established a funeral livery and undertaking business at 169 Fulton Street (now Astoria Boulevard) with little more than a rubber plant in the window and a candelabra holding 48 candles.
In November 1907, he won an election to the Board of Alderman (today's City Council) from the Sixty-sixth District (Astoria). The popular Thomas Quinn was the only person to win office on the Independent ticket in Long Island City's history.
Sheriff's Badge
He ran for Sheriff of Queens County in 1909 beating the well-liked John Neiderstein (of restaurant fame). Across the river, a young man named Al Smith held the same job in New York County.
Before he died in 1926, his once little company was well on its way to becoming one of the largest firms in the industry.
He belonged to numerous social and civic organizations. His service to the community was legendary -- a tradition that is proudly maintained by the firm to this day.
His son, Thomas Quinn II once summed up the family's philosophy on life:
"Money and fame have been loaned to us for a short while ... but those leaving the deepest mark, and the greatest affection, were not rich in material things."
"In business, good public relations is the keynote to success and good will. Other problems come and go, but public relations goes on forever."
"The reputation of an organization is never in question if its policies, objectives and accomplishments are clear and understandable at all times."
"Success is not something which can be developed in a day or a month. Rather, it is the teamwork of employer and employees over time."
"Good service is the best investment in any business."
"I don't believe that any group should determine what people want - the people are the sole judge."
"Ideas are valuable for they may be the means of changing your life."
"I believe that there lies in your path opportunity of unthinkable advancement, and the certainly you will play a part in a success story."
"We are in need of leadership by those carrying on the traditions layed down by those who preceded us."
"I wish I could offer a fool proof plan that would work in every case for problems you confront during your career, but let me impress upon you: there is no set formula."
"Having the people of a community think highly of you -- good will - is an intangible asset often worth more than all your tangible investments."
"To be a competitor, you must have a working knowledge of law, medicine, banking, salesmanship, real estate, architecture, interior decoration, and psychology. - not to mention the art of getting along well with people."
