William James McLaughlin

1958 - 2022

McLaughlin, William James, - or Big Bill as we famously called him, passed away at the age of 64 on November 12, 2022. Big Bill was born in Pittsburgh, PA on March 12, 1958, to the late Joseph and Mildred McLaughlin. Bill moved from Mt. Lebanon Township to Bethel Park, PA in 1966. In 1975, he and his parents moved to the seashore in Margate City, NJ. During his early years, Big Bill attended the Pathfinder School for those with special needs. A devout Catholic, he attended Pittsburgh-area Catholic churches, namely St. Bernard and St. Thomas More, and he received his holy Confirmation in 1974. A huge sports fan, Bill loved to watch the Phillies and Eagles play. He also enjoyed singing old television- show theme songs from the 1960s-80s, such as Happy Days and Love Boat. A Dino's sub or slice of pizza was never far from his mind. Bill's innocence and joy touched many, many lives. His unconditional love and smile will live on forever. Bill's mother always said Bill was a wonderful gift from God to the world, and especially to our family. She said God gave us Bill to bring us happiness, laughter and God's comfort, and to help make the world a better place. How right she was. Bill is survived by his four siblings: Tom McLaughlin of Vienna, VA, Reverend Father Joe McLaughlin of Las Cruces, NM, sister Eileen Suehr of Gainesville, VA, and John McLaughlin of Alexandria, VA. Bill was preceded in death by his sister Trudy Snee from Simi Valley, CA. Bill also sadly leaves behind his best friend and cousin: Thomas Ray III from Atlantic City, NJ. Tom's love and kindness to Bill over many years was a tremendous blessing and will never be forgotten. The McLaughlin Family is also very thankful to the Caring House 9 family of caregivers, as well as to the many workshop friends Bill made during his time there. "Go Eagles!" There will be a memorial service for Bill at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church on Wednesday, December 7th at 11:00 a.m. The Church is located at 591 New Jersey Ave., Absecon. If anyone would like to make a donation in remembrance of Bill's amazing life, please send it to https://www.specialolympics.org/programs. Arrangements by the George H. Wimberg Funeral Home, Linwood - Ventnor. Condolences may be extended to the family at ghwimberg.com.