Obituary of Thomas J. McLaughlin, Sr.

SALEM— Thomas J. McLaughlin, Sr., 91, originally of Peabody, husband of Patricia (Scahill) McLaughlin. Tom was born in Peabody where he continued to live and raise his family until he and Pat moved to Wilmot, NH, where they helped to raise their grandson (and Tom’s best friend), Kevin. They returned to MA two years ago, settling in Salem. He was the son of the late James and Annie (Kelly) McLaughlin. He attended St. John the Baptist Elementary School and Peabody High School. He earned a B.A. and and M.Ed. from Northeastern University, and an M.S.W from Boston University. He retired from North Shore Catholic Charities after 25 years of dedication as Director of Professional Services. Prior to that, he worked for the Peabody Schools as a teacher at the Kiley School and as a guidance counselor. Tom loved his family, his friends, and his work. He loved to have a houseful of people and never thought a crowd was too large. He was a skilled woodworker and carpenter, and an excellent dancer, landscaper, and creative cook. For many years he swam every day and walked many miles for health and pleasure. He was well informed and read several daily newspapers. He saw the world with empathy; his focus was on people. Tom was a man of faith and modeled that in his generosity and compassion. He was a great listener and hugger, sincerely interested in the details of people’s joys and tragedies. He loved people and people loved him. In addition to his wife, Patricia, he is survived by his five children and their spouses, Nancy McLaughlin Sirvent and her wife Edna Holley of Salem; Thomas McLaughlin, Jr. and his wife Heidi Ruiz of Orland Park, IL; Judith Taylor of Montrose CA; Wynne McLaughlin and his wife Cathy Klein of New Freedom, PA; Mary McLaughlin of New London, NH; seven grandchildren, Ryan, Megan, Edward, Kathryn, Kevin, Melissa, and Alex; his brother and sister-in-law Robert and Lorraine McLaughlin of Peabody and his sister, Margaret (Peg) Toomey of Peabody and many nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Kathleen, Francis, James, and Terrence McLaughlin. Tom is also survived by some very special friends-as-family, Helen and Denis Coleman of Salem, David Coleman of Peabody, Joanne Coughlin of Salem, Katie Coleman of Salem, Catherine Walsh Moran of Peabody; Mary Ellen O’Shea of North Reading, MA; Martha Staskawicz of Berkeley, CA; and Kathleen Newman of Ridgefield, WA. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM. A funeral service celebrating Tom’s life will be held the following day, Wednesday, at 11:30 AM. Both the Tuesday and Wednesday events will be held at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. All relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. For directions and online obituary, visit www.ccbfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Roger Trask Adult Day Program, 79 Central St., Peabody, MA or the House of Grace Catholic Worker, 1826 East Lehigh Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125.