SALEM - James P. McLaughlin, 97, of Salem, husband of the late Helen E. (Dylingowski) McLaughlin, died Saturday morning, January 19, 2013 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House, Danvers following a short illness.
Born and raised in Peabody, he was the son of the late James and Annie (Kelly) McLaughlin, and was a resident of Salem for most of his life.
An Army Air Force veteran of WWII, he served with the 25th Air Depot Group and attained the rank of Sergeant.
Mr. McLaughlin was employed for many years at Carr Leather in Peabody until its closing in 1960. He was later employed at Varian in Gloucester, for over 17 years until his retirement in 1980.
He was a religious man who loved his family and friends, especially his wife ,Helen who was the love of his life. His generosity and spirit for life will always be remembered.
He is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, James A. and Mary McLaughlin of Dover, one daughter and son-in-law, Sharon McLaughlin-Maguire and James Maguire of Salem, three grandchildren, Julie McLaughlin Cox and her husband Christopher Cox of Needham, Victoria Maguire and Conor Maguire, both of Washington, DC, one great grandchild, David James Cox of Needham, three brothers and sisters-in-law, Terrance and Mary McLaughlin and Robert and Lorraine McLaughlin, all of Peabody, Thomas and Patricia McLaughlin of Salem, one sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Joseph Toomey of Peabody and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Kathleen McLaughlin and Francis McLaughlin.
His funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 10 am from the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 am at the Immaculate Conception Church, Salem. Visiting hours are Tuesday from 4 to 7 pm. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Burial is in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the St Joseph’s Storehouse (formerly St. Joseph Food Pantry) 207 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970. For on-line guest book and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.