Daniel Philip McLaughlin, 79
Dateline: Norton, MA
Daniel Philip McLaughlin, age 79, of Norton, passed away on Friday, May 5, 2023, peacefully at home. “Big Dan” lived a wonderful “Irishman’s” life. He was born at Boston City Hospital on January 3, 1944 to the late Daniel and Ruth (Arris) McLaughlin. He was pre-deceased his two sisters Dottie McLaughlin and Mary McLaughlin.
Dan’s father was a firefighter for The City of Boston and passed in the line of duty in 1953. Dan and his two sisters were then raised in Dorchester and Roxbury by their indomitable mother Ruth, a nurse at Boston City Hospital. During these tough years “Big Dan” developed his loquacious personality, his unique sense of humor and his undeniable zest for life.
Dan had a lifelong love of education and enrolled into Boston College where he earned his BS and Master’s Degrees. He then went on to earn his certificate of Advanced Study from Harvard as well. During this time, he met and fell in love with his darling wife of 54 years, Carol (Mullins) McLaughlin.
In addition to Carol, he is survived by his devoted children Daniel Patrick McLaughlin and his wife Joyce of Lowell, Devon Eileen Sicard and her husband Stephen of Wrentham and Cailin Ruth Cameron and her husband Brian of North Attleboro. He was the cherished grandfather of Barrett McLaughlin, Jonathan Sicard and his wife Danielle, Zachary Sicard, Archer Cameron and Rory Cameron.
“Big Dan” was larger than life. He made everyone he met feel welcome, weather through sharing his love of Irish music and culture, Scottish bagpipes or history of any kind. His favorite subject was his family and his was a life well-lived. Daniel, the road has risen to meet you.
His Funeral Mass, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be celebrated on Saturday, May 13th at 11:00 A.M. in Saint Mary’s Church, 1 Power Street in Norton. Burial will be private.
Visiting hours are omitted and those wishing, may remember “Big Dan” with a contribution in his memory made to the Norton Fire Department, 70 East main Street, Norton, MA 02766.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Norton Memorial Funeral Home, 19 Clapp Street, Norton.
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.nortonmemorial.com