LOWELL--William J. McLaughlin, 56 years old, a longtime resident of Lowell, died unexpectedly, Friday afternoon, February 8th at his home.
He was born in Providence, RI, on May 19, 1951, a son of Joseph D. McLaughlin, retired Deputy Chief of the Lowell Fire Department, of Lowell, and the late Margaret A. (Geary) McLaughlin. He was a graduate of Lowell High School, Class of 1969, and Northern Essex Community College. He furthered his education at University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he held membership in the Gamma Delta Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda, graduating cum laude with a degree in Psychology.
He had been employed as a Certified Respiratory Therapist at the former St. Joseph’s Hospital, and later as an Inspector for the City of Lowell for several years. He was also employed as a Tour Guide for the Old Town Trolley Tours, in Boston. He was a great Boston Sports fan and a brilliant historian.
In addition to his father, Mr. McLaughlin is survived by a beloved daughter: Ericka McLaughlin, of Somerville; three grandchildren: Karissa, Kelsey and Michael, all of Somerville; two brothers: James E., and his wife Patricia McLaughlin, of Pelham, NH; and John McLaughlin, of Boston; three sisters: Margaret ‘Peggy’, Shepard, and her husband William; Mary C. McLaughlin, all of Lowell; and Carol A. McLaughlin-Gray, and her husband Peter, of Barneveld, NY; his aunt and uncle: Eleanor & Al Martinkus of Providence, RI; also several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Friends may call on Thursday, February 14th from 3 to 7 PM at the MAHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 187 Nesmith Street, (Rte. 38). His Funeral Mass to be offered on Friday, February 15th at 9:30 AM at ST. MARGARET’S CHURCH. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury.