While movie theaters around the country grew—seemingly on steroids—from one-screen operations to multi-screen monstrosities, Quirino, who took over operation of the Crandell from his father in 1985, kept the theater the same, providing an oasis to a time gone by. The Crandell remained a place where you could bring back childhood memories and introduce new generations to the cinema experience of yesteryear.
The balcony seating, the colored-cellophane lights, and organ boxes to the left and right of the screen all make the Crandell Theatre much more than a place to see a movie. It was once a Vaudeville theater, a history attested to by the architecture of the theater and its large stage.
Though economic pressures certainly mounted, Quirino kept ticket prices well below the national standard, for decades charging just $2.50 for adults and only in recent years raising the price to $5. The same was true for the popcorn and other movie snacks he sold.
In recent years, the Quirino family partnered with the Chatham Film Club, showing art, independent, and foreign films once a month for the club. The Crandell became host to the annual FilmColumbia Festival, which draws thousands to the village.
Quirino will be remembered for keeping the lights lit on the theater marquee, which many consider as important an element of the village streetscape as the clock tower.
“The Crandell provided family entertainment all year for generations of people who have grown up in this area and with the Quirino family," said Film Club President Sandi Knakal. “Tony knew that and did a great job of keeping the pricing and programming in ways that were great for the community. We think he was a wonderful champion for the community.” Knakal said club members are presently spending time and effort to help the family with the sudden loss.
Chatham Village Historian Gail Blass-Wolczanski echoed Knakal’s sentiments about the importance of the Crandell Theater and the Quirino family. “Everyone has some sort of memory tied to that theater and the family,” she said, adding she can’t imagine a Main Street without the theater.
Meanwhile village trustee and longtime Quirino friend George Grant praised the theater owner’s life of dedication to the community. “He was very low key. He’d do things for the community and never mention it. He was a good friend of the village,” said Grant.
Grant also recalled his friend’s love of cars and motorcycles. “Tony and I were both motor heads, also we always got along well,” he said. Before joining the family business, Quirino operated an automotive repair shop in the Albany area.
As to what the future holds for the theater in light of Quirino’s passing, Knakal said it is up the family. "We obviously will do everything in our power to ensure that the marquee lights will stay on," she said.
The club had arranged a partnership and was working on a deal—announced in 2008—to purchase the theater and have Quirino continue to manage operations.
“It’s too early to tell what will happen now. That’s up the family,” Knakal said.
Blass-Wolczanski said she knew it was Quirino’s desire to continue running the operation.
 
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