QUINN, THOMAS M.

QUINN, THOMAS M., age 60, of Chincoteague Island, VA went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 4, 2014. Thomas was born October 15, 1953 in Cape May Court House, NJ to Charles E Quinn and the late Helen (Rile) Quinn. He was a 1972 graduate of Wildwood High School where he was a standout baseball player. Tom enlisted in the US Marine Corps on June 28, 1972. After basic training at Parris Island, SC; he attended Aviation Supply School in Memphis, TN. From there he was sent to the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362 (HMH-362), the “Ugly Angels”, in New River, NC. Tom earned the rank of Sergeant (E-5) in just under 3 years. He was honorably discharged from active duty service on June 27, 1976. After faithfully serving his country for 4 years, Tom moved back to New Jersey where he served his community as a police officer both on the Wildwood Police Department and Lower Township Police Department. He also served as a Corrections Officer with the Cape May County Sheriff’s Department. Tom was medically retired from Lower Township Police Department in 1994 after an on-duty car accident. In June 1997, Tom moved his wife and children to Chincoteague Island, VA where he began Quinn’s Taxidermy. His business thrived until he had back surgery in 2001. Tom also worked for the US Fish and Wildlife Service on Assateague Island as the leader of the Youth Conservation Corps in 2002. Most recently he was a traffic control officer for the Chincoteague Police Department. Tom was an avid hunter and community supporter wherever he lived. He volunteered his time in New Jersey as an assistant coach for his son’s Little League baseball teams. Tom was always involved with local sports teams in Chincoteague and was honored by Chincoteague High School for his support in taping games for the high school football and baseball teams. Tom’s love of wildlife is what drove him to become a taxidermist and to volunteer for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, where he was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 2000. As a believer in Jesus Christ, Tom was always an active member of the church. At Grace Gospel Chapel and Ocean City Baptist Church (NJ), Tom volunteered as an AWANA leader. At Island Baptist Church (VA), Tom was a part of the choir and, along with his wife, was a youth group leader. He was a member of many organizations including: FOP #62 Eastern Shore, PBA #59, American Legion of Wildwood and Chincoteague, VVA 903, DAV #44, Marine Corps League – Dramis Detachment, NRA, and NJ Bow Hunters of America. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Debra (Sinn); daughter Rebecca Stevens and husband James of Chincoteague, VA; his son William Quinn of Quantico, VA; and grandchildren: JR and Mikaela Stevens. Also survived by his father William E Quinn and brother Charles W Quinn. Predeceased by mother Helen (Rile) Quinn; sisters: Helen Richardson and Kathleen Quinn; and brother Michael Quinn. Friends and family are invited to call Thursday, February 6, 2014 from 1 to 2 PM at Island Baptist Church on Chincoteague Island, VA. Funeral service will immediately follow at 2 PM with the Rev. Kevin Eley officiating. There will be a funeral service held on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at noon with a viewing two hours prior at The Lighthouse Church, 1248 Route 9, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 with Pastor Rudy Sheptock officiating. Interment will be held with full military honors at Cold Spring Cemetery, 780 Seashore Rd, Cold Spring, NJ 08204. At the family’s request, due to travel, please send memorial contributions to: Tim Lee Ministries, PO Box 461674, Garland, TX 75046 “or” the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, 3800 Fettler Park Drive, Suite 104, Dumfries, VA 22025 in lieu of flowers. Services entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc. in Chincoteague Island, VA and Evoy Funeral Home in North Cape May, NJ. To share condolences, please visit www.evoyfuneralhome.com or www.salyerfh.com.