Richard J. McLaughlin, a longtime resident of Woburn passed away peacefully on February 2nd, surrounded by his loving family at the Winchester Hospital following a short illness. He was 88. Born in Haverhill, July 9, 1925, he was one of nine children of the late Raymond V. and Helen (Deneau) McLaughlin. He was the beloved husband of the late Margaret M. (Keating) McLaughlin.
Richard was raised and educated in Stoneham where he was a graduate of Stoneham High School. Following high school he enlisted in the United States Navy and honorably served during WWII from 1943 to 1946. He was a recipient of the World War II Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, Asiatic - Pacific Theatre Medal with 3 Stars, and Philippine Liberation Medal with 2 Stars. When Richard returned home from the service he began his career with Raytheon where he worked as a dedicated and talented machinist for 37 years prior to his retirement. In his leisure time he enjoyed bowling, following local sports, especially the Red Sox and Patriots, but his greatest passion was being out on the course playing golf with friends and family.
Richard will forever be remembered as a simple and honest man with a strong faith and great love for his family and country.
Along with his wife and parents, Richard is predeceased by his sons; Christopher W. McLaughlin and John McLaughlin, grandson; Scott Martin, sisters; Helen and Claire McLaughlin, brothers; Raymond, Robert, Adrian and Thomas McLaughlin.
He is survived by his children; Richard A. McLaughlin and his wife Paula of Woburn, David J. McLaughlin and his wife Janet of Ft. Pierce, FL, Ann Martin and her husband Donald of Woburn, Elaine Berlandi and her husband John of Townsend, Peggy Mahar and her husband Bob, Pauline Zammuto and her husband Daniel all of Billerica. He is also lovingly survived by 22 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Brother of John McLaughlin of Stoneham and Mary Skinner of Michigan. Further survived by many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be conducted in the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, Friday, February 7th, at 12 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the funeral home will be held on Thursday from 4 thru 8 p.m. Services will conclude with military honors and burial at Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Richard's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.