Richard A. McLaughlin, Sr., 80
Dateline: Middleboro, MA
Richard A. McLaughlin, Sr., age 80, of Middleboro, formerly of Mansfield, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Plymouth. He was the beloved husband of Linda M. (Rich) McLaughlin, to whom he was wed on June 8, 1974.
Born in Weymouth, MA on October 2, 1945, he was a loving son of the late William and Eleanor (Crandall) McLaughlin.
Rick grew up in Weymouth Landing and was a graduate of Weymouth High School. He continued his education, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management, both from Northeastern University.
Prior to retiring, Mr. McLaughlin was employed as a Mechanical Engineer, designing temperature controls for hospitals and schools. He had made his home in Middleboro for the past four years and was a former longtime resident of Mansfield.
An active communicant of Saint Mary’s Church in Mansfield, Rick served the parish as a former religious education teacher. As a youth, he was involved with Scouting, obtaining the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. As an adult, he taught youngsters the value of scouting and served as a former Chairman and Scout Leader of Troop 17 in Mansfield. For all his hard-work and loyal service to scouting, Rick was honored with the Vigil Honor, the highest honor that the Order of the Arrow bestowed upon him for service to lodge, council and Scouting.
Richard treasured the times with his adoring family, especially annual family canoe trips and canoe racing with his son Robert. He also enjoyed woodworking and was very proud of formerly sponsoring families at Christmas time.
In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his devoted sons, Richard A. McLaughlin, Jr. of Middleboro, Paul A. McLaughlin of Middleboro and Robert W. McLaughlin of Braintree. He was the cherished grandfather of Suzanne, Rowan, Connor, Noelle, Keegan, Cillian, Cassidy and the great grandfather of Scarlett and Jackson. He was the dear brother of the late William Donald McLaughlin and is also survived by his loving nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Monday, January 19th from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main Street, Mansfield.
His funeral will begin on Tuesday, January 20th at 10:00 A.M. from the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial celebrated at 11:00 A.M. in Saint Mary’s Church, 330 Pratt Street (Route 106) Mansfield. Burial will follow at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Mansfield.
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com