Tom Quinn’s legacy in football spans decades, beginning as a player at Visitation Grade School and DeLaSalle High School, where he earned football letters in 1951 and 1952. After graduating, he served in the Marine Corps until 1955 before returning to his roots to coach at Leo High School from 1962-1966. However, his most enduring contributions came as an official.

Starting with grade school football in 1962, Quinn progressed to officiating high school games and eventually collegiate conferences, including the CCIW, Mid-American Conference, and Big Ten Football Conference. From 1976 to 1995, he officiated high-profile games such as the Rose Bowl, Liberty Bowl, and Citrus Bowl, earning a reputation as one of the best college referees in the country. After leaving the field in 1995, he continued with the Big Ten as a technical advisor and later as a replay analyst.

Beyond football, Quinn built a career with the Bell System, retiring in 1991 as Director of Government Relations. He also worked with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, serving as Director of the Sheriff’s Boot Camp and later as Special Assistant. A widower married to his wife Diane for 48 years, Quinn is the father of eight children and remains celebrated for his professionalism and service on and off the field.