Thomas J. Quinn, Ph.D.

Thomas J. Quinn, Ph.D., 54, of Elmhurst, passed on to eternal life on Friday morning at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia following an illness. At the time of his death, he was surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Scranton, son of Jane O’Malley Quinn of Dunmore and the late Thomas P. Quinn, Tom was a member of Saint Catherine of Siena Parish in Moscow. He was a 1980 graduate of Scranton Preparatory School and a 1984 graduate of College of the Holy Cross, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Tom earned Master of Science degrees from both Wilkes University and The University of Scranton as well as a Doctorate in Human Development from Marywood University.

Dedicated to education in the truest sense, Tom’s career began at his Alma Mater Scranton Prep where he taught both chemistry and computer science from 1985-1998. He also served as Director of Scranton Prep’s Higher Achievement Program for many years. Tom moved on to become Assistant Principal of Delaware Valley High School and Principal of Delaware Valley Middle School, serving in the district from 1998-2006. He then became Assistant Superintendent of Abington Heights School District, where he led for ten years before being appointed Superintendent of Valley View School District in July. It did not take long for Tom to establish himself as a highly-respected, student-centered leader and a trusted colleague. Throughout his career, Tom had high aspirations in each of his roles; he challenged students to set their own high bar, had impressive vision for district goals and a constant flow of innovative ideas for curricula.

A true family man, Tom’s greatest joy was spending time with his beloved wife of 17 years, Amy, and children Tommy, Abby and Aleah, all of whom Tom commonly referred to as “my gang.” He particularly enjoyed coaching his children’s sports teams and attending their events; he was their biggest fan in the stands. He had great affection for his sister Kathleen Quinn Walsh and brother-in-law Jerry, of Dunmore, sister Maura K. Quinn and partner Kelly A. Peterson of Philadelphia, and nephews Jerry, Timmy, Conor, Daniel and Kevin as well as niece Taryn Walsh. Tom was also the cherished son-in-law of Robert and Sheila Hochlander of Fleetville as well as William and Mary Therrien of Califon, NJ. Tom’s large extended family includes numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, all of whom he loved dearly and with whom he was known to enjoy an Irish “hooley in the kitchen.”

The Quinn family would like to extend their sincere gratitude for the compassionate care that Tom received both at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton and at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 19th at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Saint Catherine of Siena, 220 Church St. Moscow. Friends may call at the Church on Thursday, May 18th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Interment, St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Quinn Children Scholarship Fund c/o Peoples Security Bank and Trust P.O. Box 777, Moscow, PA 18444.

To share a memory or to leave your condolences for the family please visit www.vanstonandjames.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of the Vanston and James Funeral Home 1401 Ash St. Scranton.

 

 

 

 

6 Comments

  1. Dave Jagger

    My deepest condolences for the Quinn family upon the loss of Tom. He was a mentor for me and many others over the years. More importantly, he was a trusted friend and constant supporter. I miss him terribly.

  2. Carol (Morris) Shamonsky

    I had the great privilege of being in graduate classes with Tom at Wilkes. I truly considered him a good friend. He’s been taken way too soon from all who loved him. My deepest condolences to his family. He will definitely be missed.

  3. Lynn Davis

    Dearest Amy and Children,
    I am so sad for you. Your husband, father of beautiful (and I am sure talented in mant ways) was a man I would have lived knowing. Your mom worked wirh me as a first grade teacher at Simmons Elementary. She was my superb counseling intern. I am happy to see she is very involved in helping others and being a caring mom. I am glad to see your posts on Facebook. Grief is love. It is also hard, so hard. Share your feelings and hang on to each other.
    Love, Lynn

  4. Mark Curley

    My Deepest Condolences to the Quinn Family and the whole Valley View School District family. I am graduating this year and I have to say, Superintendent Thomas Quinn was and always will be in my heart.

  5. John & Johnny Hartridge

    I met Tom through my good friend Todd Sykes . My sympathy and Tom will be missed. He gave a lot to many people.

  6. Sally Sawyer

    I just learned of Dr. Quinn’s passing and I am deeply sorry for your loss. I work with an educational software program that he used and he was absolutely my favorite client. I’m sure he will be missed at both Abington Heights and Valleyview and will certainly be missed by the staff here at EduLink/PA-ETEP. A true gentlemen and professional. I am happy to have known him. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

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