WEBSTER – Robert C. McLaughlin, 81, died Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at home with family at his side.
He leaves his wife of 51 years, Lynn C. (Pschichholtz) McLaughlin; a daughter, Beth M. McLaughlin of Rockville-Vernon, CT; 2 sons, Scott P. McLaughlin, Sr. and his wife Bobbi-Jean of Pittsburgh, NH, and Carl W. McLaughlin of Webster and his significant other Lisa Marcoux of Putnam, CT; 5 grandchildren, Steven Despin and his wife Savannah of Panama City, FL, Stacia McLaughlin of Rockville-Vernon, CT, Scott P. McLaughlin, Jr. of Tolland, CT, and Emma G. McLaughlin and Garrett T. McLaughlin, both of Charlton; 3 great-grandchildren, Eternity McLaughlin-Rivera, Aiden Despin and Liam Despin; a great great-granddaughter, Estelle Nieve; nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his brothers William and John McLaughlin.
He was born on January 5, 1945 in Rockville, CT, to William and Arlene (Rivenburg) McLaughlin and was raised in Ellington, CT. He graduated from Ellington High School in 1964. He then lived in Rockville before moving to Webster over 50 years ago.
Mr. McLaughlin worked as a machine operator at Nuway Tobacco in South Windsor, CT before retiring in 2008.
He was a member of the United Church of Christ, Federated and was also a long-time member of Old Sturbridge Village. He loved antique cars and owned a 1930 Chevrolet. He and his wife went on 2 cross country trips. He liked gardening and working with wood. In Coventry, CT, he re-enacted American Revolution War battles as part of the Nathan Hale Fife and Drum Corps.
His funeral will be held on Friday, February 13, at 11:00 AM in Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street, with Pastor Sabina Terrades officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Zion Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 until the time of the service that morning. Donations in his name may be made to Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01566.