Obituary of John J. McLaughlin

After a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, John (Jack) McLaughlin, 79, loving husband of Patricia (Patty) McLaughlin, went to meet the Lord on December 15, 2023. He was born on June 6, 1944, in Hartford, CT and moved to Manchester CT where he spent most of his life. He and Patty then retired to Sarasota, FL where they were surrounded by many wonderful friends.

He and Patty, the love of his life, were blessed with three children who will remember him as a kind, witty, and loving father: Carolyn (Cary) Trantalis and her husband William of Columbia CT, John McLaughlin and his fiancée Rene of San Diego CA, and Robert McLaughlin and his wife Julie of Hebron CT. In addition, he is survived by six adoring grandchildren Nikolos Trantalis and his wife Carrina, Christian Trantalis and his wife Nicole, Christina McLaughlin, Jack McLaughlin, Ryan McLaughlin, Jake McLaughlin, and three great-grandchildren Emma, Grace, and Olivia. He is also survived by his brother Charles (Chuck) McLaughlin of San Diego. He was pre-deceased by his parents John and Dorothy McLaughlin and a sister Kathleen.

Jack was a 1962 graduate of Manchester High School and remained a part of the Class of 62’ Reunion Committee. He went on to graduate from The Hartford Institute of Accounting and had a long and successful career as a sales executive for Roadway Express and Old Dominion transportation companies.

He and Patty were high school sweethearts and married for more than 60 years. They were devoted soulmates through the good times and bad. They lived, laughed, and loved like no other. They had many wonderful nautical adventures on their sailboat navigating the seas of the New England coast.

Jack was an avid outdoorsman and a life-time member of The Andover Sportsman Club. His love of the outdoors brought out the best in him. He treasured his time playing golf with good buddies. He maintained many robust relationships with friends from kindergarten, high school, and his years in Florida. Jack was generous, had a great sense of humor, and a strong Irish wit about him. His family and friends will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

His family would like to give a special thanks to the skilled and dedicated staff at Colebrook Village of Hebron where he and his wife resided. The excellent and devoted care he received was beyond measure.

Jack will be honored with a celebration of life on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 W. Center St. in Manchester, CT. Calling hours will be held an hour prior from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.