John Quinn, key builder of Restonic mattress brand, dies at 77

Helped develop Indiana-based licensee

David Perry -- Furniture Today, January 6, 2010

Quinn began his career with Restonic in 1958, when he and his grandfather Ralph Quinn Sr. and brother Ralph Quinn Jr. left Serta of Louisville to make and market Restonic Triple Cushion mattresses under the name of Restonic Sleep Products.

John Quinn was active in the Restonic organization over the years, serving on the board of directors as chairman and treasurer. He worked as a mentor to new Restonic licensees, an ambassador to international licensees, and as chairman of search committees when the group sought new leadership, the company said.

"John spent his life in the bedding industry," said Ron Passaglia, Restonic's president. "He made a great impact with his contributions to his family and to growing the business at Restonic. Everyone who knew him respected his work ethic and enjoyed the business and professional relationships they shared with him. John was well respected throughout the industry and will be missed by all."

Quinn's colleagues remembered him as a man of honesty, fairness and integrity, qualities that remain central at Sleep Products, Passaglia said.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou; sons Lee, Bob and Tom, all of whom are involved in the business; a daughter, Ellen; eight grandchildren, two of whom, Chris and Chad, are involved in the business; and several great-grandchildren.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, at Highland Funeral Home in Louisville, Ky.