Obituary of Thomas Michael Quinlan

Thomas Michael. Quinlan, 79 years of age - Tom died, surrounded by loved ones, Dec. 6, 2024 at Baptist Medical Center, Jacksonville, FL. There were many chapters to Tom Quinlan’s life! He was born January 6th, 1945 in Dansville, NY the son of James F. and Betty Lou (McCray) Quinlan. Tom graduated from Dansville High School in 1962 and in 1966 Tom and Sally Hornbeck were married and celebrated over 33 years together prior to Sally passing away in 2000. In 1967 Tom graduated from the University of Buffalo, School of Pharmacy and began his career as a pharmacist. In 1986 he founded Quinlan’s Pharmacy and owned and operated that until his retirement in 2012. Tom and Mary Crowley met and began their journey together and in 2003 they wed. Upon his retirement in 2012 they moved to Amelia Island, FL. His smile lit up any room he walked into. He was our north star, our guiding light, our rock and our anchor. Tom cared deeply about his family and friends and he showed us how to be better people - kind, compassionate, decent, caring, and loyal. Tom was a devout Catholic and a man of great faith. It guided him every day and comforted him in the most difficult times. Tom’s happy place was on a golf course. Tom and Mary honeymooned in Ireland and played all the wonderful links courses there. He played hundreds of rounds of golf at the Golf Club of Amelia Island after he retired. He loved all his golf buddies in Florida and those back home in NY. Tom lived a life of service. He loved being the community Pharmacist and dedicated himself to his community’s health and wellness. Throughout his life he served so many people as a lifelong Rotarian (Paul Harris Award), served on many Boards - Dansville Hospital, NCPA, RDC. He gave his time freely in order to make organizations better and improve the lives of his community. He was a volunteer for the Nassau Humane Society and Boys and Girls Club of NE FL. If you knew Tom, you loved him and he loved you. He never met a stranger. He loved his family, friends, golf buddies, fellow independent pharmacists and fellow travelers through life. He loved to travel and explore the world - golfing in Ireland, touring most countries in Europe, South Africa, Australia/New Zealand, South America, Vietnam & Cambodia, Mexico, Canada, many Caribbean islands and so many cities and states. He enjoyed planning the trips almost as much as taking them. Tom was a bright light of goodness, kindness and decency in this world and it has gone out. When you remember Tom - remember him as that light of goodness, kindness and decency and make it shine brighter than ever before. Tom Quinlan was a gift to all who knew him. Please treasure that, remember him, say his name and smile when you think of him. Tom was pre-deceased by his parents James Francis Quinlan & Betty Lou McCray Quinlan His wife Sally Quinlan & son, Jeff Quinlan in 2001; his grand-daughter Taylor in 2017; and a nephew David in 2023. He is survived by his wife - Mary Crowley Quinlan, his son John (Sandi) Quinlan, his daughter, Jennifer Quinlan; his grandchildren, Elizabeth Paige, Sarah (Brian), Thomas, Sydnie (Caleb Cansdale) and Kyle; his brother, William (Deb) Quinlan; his sisters, Suzanne Streeten (Robert) and Mary Beth Endres (Eric), his nieces and nephews, Brian (Tracy), Christopher (Jessica), Shawn (Crystal), Kurt (Dena), Mark, Jill, Dan (Darci), Duncan (Becca), Tyler (Hollie), Erika (Chris), Brett (Chelsea); Tom was also the goofy, funny loving” Uncle Tom” to many great-nieces and great-nephews. He loved them all and loved visiting them and sharing adventures with them. He was always up for a good time and was the “fun” uncle to all. Tom's family and friends may call Sunday December 15, 2024 from 1-4pm at St. George-Forsythe Funeral Home, 109 West Naples St., Wayland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Tom Monday December 16, 2024 at 11am at St. Joseph's Church in Wayland. Committal prayers and interment will take place immediately following at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Wayland. Memorials can be made in Tom Quinlan’s name to a charity of your choice. In Tom’s memory make the world a better place.