John J. McLaughlin of Medford passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. He was 86 years old. John was the beloved husband of Carol (Potterton) McLaughlin. Born in Boston, he was the cherished son of the late William and Julia (Dellamano) McLaughlin.

John served in the U.S Army and then transferred to the Massachusetts National Guard from 1962-1966.

John McLaughlin lived a joyful and full life and found deep satisfaction in his work as an electrician, a career that spanned 60 years before retirement and included proud membership in IBEW Local 103 for over four decades. Whether rewiring a home or tinkering in his basement workshop, John never met a tool he didn’t want and couldn’t master. He built wooden construction trucks and an elaborate dollhouse for his children, and could just as easily fix a car, weld a gate, or build a table from scratch.

John’s love for his grandchildren—Matthew, Megan, Patrick, and Lauren—was boundless. From bouncing them on his knees to celebrating them at their graduation parties, he cherished every moment. With his beloved wife Carol, he traveled to Europe, the Caribbean, and Alaska, and spent many happy winters in Bonita Beach with his two older brothers and dear friends. Summers in South Yarmouth at his Cape house brought yard sale adventures and regular treks to the South Yarmouth swap shop in search of treasures, which were activities that John loved more than a day at the beach.

A trivia enthusiast with a special passion for World War II history, John was unbeatable when it came to war-related questions on Jeopardy. He had a soft spot for fried seafood platters, end-cut prime rib, egg foo young, and ice cream, but nothing topped his lifelong quest for the perfect corned beef sandwich.

John had a gift for conversation and a heart that welcomed everyone. Whether chatting with a stranger or sharing stories with family, he brought warmth, humor, and kindness to every interaction.

John was the devoted father of Marianne McLaughlin Downing and her husband Stephen of Reading and Michael McLaughlin of Weymouth. He was the adored grandfather of Patrick and Lauren Downing and Megan and Matthew McLaughlin. John was the dear brother of Lance McLaughlin of OH and the late William, Franklin and Marie McLaughlin.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to visit with the family at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, MA, on Sunday, October 19th, from 5-7PM. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Monday, October 20th at 11AM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorials Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105.