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John McLaughlin Obituary
WORCESTER - John T. "Stinky" McLaughlin, 66, of Worcester, died Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at his home.
He leaves three children, Meghan M. Whittle and her husband Jeremy, John J. McLaughlin, and Cailah McLaughlin, a granddaughter, Billie Whittle, his mother, Vina (Owens) McLaughlin, all of Worcester; a brother, Thomas McLaughlin and his wife Donna and their children Allison and Ryan of Charlton, and his best friend Ricky Connole. He was predeceased by his father John McLaughlin, his brother Terrance McLaughlin and his sister Patricia Turner.
John was born in Worcester and lived in Worcester his entire life. He was a graduate of North High School where he was an outstanding athlete. He was an All-City selection in baseball and also played varsity basketball. He graduated from Quinsigamond Community College and Framingham State College and earned a master's degree in social services from Springfield College.
John retired after working 30 years for the Massachusetts Dept. of Social Services. He bartended at Tammany Hall for fourteen years. He also served in the Massachusetts National Guard.
Stinky had a tremendous sense of humor and was a devoted baseball fan. He loved the Red Sox and Fenway Park, where he attended hundreds of games including 35 straight Opening Days. He coached the baseball team at Quinsigamond Community College for several years. He also played many years in the Worcester Parks Touch Football League for Ronnie's Auto Body.
Calling hours at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester are Sunday, March 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral will be held Monday, March 4 from the funeral home with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. John's Church, 40 Temple St., Worcester. Burial will be in Rural Cemetery, Worcester.
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Memories and Condolences
for John McLaughlin
March 26, 2013
I was so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a ''Social Workers '' Social Worker. Simply put he worked with strength and humility each day. The children and families assigned to him, will hold him in their hearts forever. When I came to Worcester DSS, in 1985. I was a 27 years old. I was inexperienced and didn't know the city. John took the extra time to show the new kid in town the ropes. Mr. McLaughlin, sir, you had enough honor and humor for all of us. Thank you. I will miss you. George A. Legere, Jr. Berlin, Ma.
March 26, 2013
Dear McLaughlin Family,
So sorry to hear about Stinkys death. He was a co worker of my brother Bill. They became friends, so this meant Stinky wanted to know the whole family. Years later when Billy was living outside of Worcester I could find Stinky at my parents house visiting my Mom with one of his young children. He was a very dear man to my family.
Mary (Cahill) O'Sullivan
March 24, 2013
To all the McLaughlin's and the many others John touched throughout his life, and there were many, know that we have lost "One of Worcester's finest" a definite CHARACTER and one of the funniest people I was fortunate enough to call a friend...Have known & loved "Stinky" since the old Quinnsig & Tammany Hall days and the various softball teams we each played on....Always a Joke & a smile...You will be missed ole friend, Hope to catch ya on down the trail....RIP Johnny Mac...Paul Tivnan, Rutland MA
Paul Sullivan
March 9, 2013
RIP John,
Respectfully,
Paul Sullivan
Stephen Smith
March 8, 2013
I was out of the country at the time of Stinky's death. He was two years behind me at North High and a colleague at DSS. His humor and energy will be missed and I'm sure he's telling stories to all the angels.
March 6, 2013
I am so sorry to hear that Stinky has passed away. A mutual friend let me know. I haven't seen him since he began work for me at the Office For Children in Worcester in the early 70's. He was great fun and such a character everyone loved him. Once in awhile someone comes along who touches your life and leaves a lasting impression. Stinky did that with me and I am richer for having known him.
My best to his family, Artha Freebury
Kathy Lewis
March 6, 2013
Stinky, what a character. Gone too soon! May God comfort all who loved him. Rest in peace ,dear friend.
March 4, 2013
John McLaughlin
Most of you knew of him as "Stinky" but to me, he was Uncle John. He may not have been my Uncle by birth but I always felt like he was. He was the only Uncle I had that I really knew and he was a big part of our small family and my childhood. He was at every birthday, graduation, holiday and even most vacations. I was the flower girl at my Aunt Jackie and Uncle John's wedding and he was the cool Uncle singing in the band. He knew every word, every, classic song title, artist and the year it was most popular. We often had no choice but to hear him sing along in the car. I remember being with them during one of my break-ups and he suddenly shut off the radio because "no one should listen to the radio during a break-up, it only makes things worse." Thoughtful, little gestures like that meant alot to me especially because he was so right. Whenever I needed to see my Aunt Jackie for one of our talks, I would go to their house and Uncle John would get out the ice cream for us and sometimes offer some of his own advice. He nicknamed me the "midnight rider" because we both liked the Allman Brothers and I usually showed up very late.
He always had a story (that I often didn't understand because he would start in the middle) a sweet disposition (just like my 3 cousins) and the strongest handshake I have ever known.
We all will remember his long mustache and his passion for the Red Sox. But I will also remember his sentimental ways and how he touched so many lives like mine. No matter what your memories of John/Stinky are, I think that we can all agree that he was unforgetable.
Love,
Kristen
March 4, 2013
To the McLaugghlin Family,
Rusty & I are very sorry to learn of your father's passing. We had alot of fun with your Dad while "hanging out" on Lincoln Street. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rusty & Kathie Vescera
Burncoat Terr
John Ritacco and Family
March 4, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to your family at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Saunders Family
March 3, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bill & Karen Daigle
March 3, 2013
To the McLaughlin family - We just returned from FL and heard the sad news of Stinkys passing. I played football & softball with him for many years. A great guy who always had a smile for everyone. He will be missed.
Rest in Peace Stinky.
stephen Owens
March 3, 2013
May God Bless you and your family,from Stephen,Michael,Tracey Owens
Jim O'Donoghue
March 3, 2013
My prayers for John and his family. I went to North High with John and he was always a good guy.Happy memories of running track with John. Always wished I could have see more of John as the years past. Glad Rick C. was such a close friend of John and a support. Peace and love to you my friend............
Geri Freeman
March 3, 2013
Sorry to hear of Stinky's passing. I met him at the Stage Door years ago. He was always happy, funny and a pleasure to talk to.
Brian Dolan
March 3, 2013
Sorry for you and your family's loss, John.
Kevin O'Brien, M.D.
March 3, 2013
Dearest Vina and family,
I am so deeply saddened by the loss of John. I hope you don't mind if I reminisce about an old friend. After all, our mutual friends—names like Battelle, Wickson, Creamer, Zawalich, Nichols, Tolson, Jackson, Marengo, Setterlund, Berger--lived at one end of the “project” while we--the MacLaughlin's and O'Brien's--lived at the other end. That was a distance we happily traversed together. For years, every day I stopped at your house to pick up John before walking together to their turf for a day's activities until, at day's end, we'd walk home together each night. I caught John's act twice daily and not only did I fully enjoy every minute, it made an indelible impression. So, in addition to tears, I have heartfelt memories and gratitude to share.
In retrospect, I should not be at all surprised that a family with the word “laugh” embedded in their surname would eventually teach me about humor, which they certainly did. In summarizing my experience one may be able to see, as I did, how John became the man he was. To say the least, a stop at the McLaughlin's house was always entertaining. It was truly a reality performance worthy of contemporary broadcast. No matter who was at home the interaction was invariably hilarious and even-tempered, often despite heated argument. It was a comic free-for-all followed by hugs and kisses and the obligatory warning to be home by a certain hour. What was most obvious was that they cared for one another, were comfortable with honesty and able each day to conclude the family business with love and laughs. I give Vina all the credit because when it was all said and done she combined the patience of Job with the timing of a master comedienne and relaxed everyone in the place. No hard feelings ever remained. Through her efforts by the time John hit the door to begin his day he had been thoroughly unburdened. And that's the way he was. He met the world with understanding. Every conversation with him was a delight. He was one of a kind, with the emphasis on kind. I note from some of the other posts that he continued to love baseball his entire life. As kids that was what we had, and largely because of Johnny Mac it was always fun. He was always a theatrical impersonation waiting to happen. One day he'd be a pirate ending every limey sentence with “Aargh,” and the next he was a crooner singing “After the lights go down low.” I could go on, but every story must have an end. John was a barrel of laughs, a good listener and a good friend. God, Love him! Until we unravel the mystery ourselves I believe we will all continue to miss him.
Kevin Foley
March 2, 2013
Dear Vina, Tommy, Meghan, Johnny & Cailah- I took a long snowshoe walk yesterday remembering my "adopted" older brother Stinky. God bless him! He helped me a lot after we lost our older brother; my thoughts and prayers are with you all!
John O'Gara
March 2, 2013
To John and all his family. So many things to say,but hard to say them!.All I know is I'm a better person today for knowing him.John we won two world series in our life time!!. May you rest in peace my friend.
Sue Thomson
March 2, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing he was such a sweet man when he came to the store I work at always with a smile. He will be missed
Dennis Foley
March 2, 2013
I'm glad I got to see him at my brother Brians house while I was home a ferw years ago. He was part of our household growing up! You will be missed John!
March 2, 2013
John was one of the kindest guys you ever want to meet. His family and many friends were very important to him. John always made us laugh. We will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Joe, Maureen and Michael Connole
Richard crotty
March 2, 2013
My thoughts are with Johns family.I worked with John as a social worker.He had a gift.In a difficult job he could always make you laugh.If you worked with a probation officer a police officer -it didn't matter who you used Johns name and you were okay a smile a John story would come.John and Billy Collins were Worcester to me.They shared the same quality a million friends and no enemies.
Denise Fogarty
March 2, 2013
Dear Meghan, Johnny and Cailah,
Memories....let them fill your mind, warm your heart, and lead you through.
Love and prayers,
Denise, Shauna, Erin, and Billy Fogarty
Frank Deignan
March 2, 2013
You can't think about Tammany Hall without remembering the antics of Stinky. I also remember a Thanksgiving dinner that was outstanding, because he was in attendance. The world is missing one great guy. We won't forget you, Stink.
Stephen Faucher
March 2, 2013
So sorry to hear of John's passing. He was one of the nicest and funniest people I ever knew. We did a lot of crazy things together back in the 60's during our high school days at North. We also worked together once in awhile later in life, he as a social worker, myself as a police officer. He will always be remembered for the wonderful person he was. My condolences to the family.
Steve Faucher
Joyce Greene-Hardy
March 2, 2013
Fond memories of Stinky make me smile. I am so sorry for your loss.
March 1, 2013
So sorry to hear of John's passing. I only met him a few times and when I first met him I found out we were related. My grandmother Florence (McLaughlin) Mills was his aunt and my dad Frank Mills was his godfather. It is such a small world. My whole family, especially my dad send our thoughts and prayers to all of you.
RIP Stinky!!
Debbie
Frank Santoro
March 1, 2013
To the McLaughlin Family: My deepest sympathy for your loss. Stinky and Frannie were a big part of my life while at Framingham State. We shared many great memories that I will never forget. They are together now making someone laugh. I miss you guys.
Ricky Connole
March 1, 2013
Dear Stink,
I am trying to find a way to say goodbye. "Goodbye" is a hard word to say sometimes. Goodbye means "God be with you." Goodbye is a blessing and a prayer, and an acknowledgement that much of what happens in life is beyond our control. I'm going to miss you. Everybody sends their love.
Dara Turco
March 1, 2013
Dear Vina, Tommy, and McLaughlin family, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He now walks with Terry and Patty in peace. I miss the stories Terry would tell me about them growing up. I still have the baby pictures..Tommy, contact me so I can share them with you. My prayers are with you and send my love to Vina. Peace be with his children....Dara
Ivette Crespo
March 1, 2013
My condolences to the family. I only had the pleasure of meeting him on a few occasions but he was always very friendly and made me laugh. Fondly remembered.
Hugh O'Malley
March 1, 2013
Please accept my condolences upon John's passing. I got to know him when he played for my Dad's basketball team at North. John loved sports, and, more importantly, never met a person he did not like. His humor and wonderful good nature were deeply appreciated by many. He will be greatly missed.
Tom McDonough
March 1, 2013
Deepest sympathy to John's family. He was a great guy,fellow worker,and dear friend. I truly believe and know that he is in a better place. God Bless!
Kara Bilzerian
March 1, 2013
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure....I am so sorry for your loss.
Joyce Gully
March 1, 2013
Stinky and I attended QCC together. He truly loved sports!! We later met up again at DSS. He never changed. He totally loved his wife and children. He was full of life and always had the best stories. He was a valued friend. Deep sympathy to his entire family.
John Creamer
March 1, 2013
How sad I feel today upon learning of John's passing. He and I go back to the Tris Speaker Little League days of the mid- to late-'50's. He and I (and quite a few of the "Projects" gang, e.g., Walt "Zeke" Zawalich, Chet Setterlund, Kevin O'Brien, and Paul Wickson) played on the 1958 District 4 All-Star championship team. He was a damn good State Mutual 2nd baseman. For some strange scheduling reason, during high school, we played against one another just once at Burncoat Park (St.Peter's v. North). My last conversation with John was a dutifully lengthy one at Tammany Hall. His Irish gab and sense of humor were...well, stereotypic. He was one of the funniest guys you'd ever meet in your lifetime. This world is far less well-off with John's departure but, the one he's entering will reap the full bounty of his infectious personality. I can't pay him any higher compliment then to say that he was a caring, wonderful father and a truly great friend. Now you're at rest, John. God love you.
patsy mollica
March 1, 2013
~so sorry meaghan, billie and to all your family. i really missed out by never having met him....i'm sure he was a wonderful grandfather!
~dona nobis pacem~
Anthony Petrone & Family
March 1, 2013
To the Mclaughlin Family,
Your dad & loved one was a warm caring man I met 20+ years ago when he would come into LaScala. I enjoy listening to all his stories about his kids,and how proud he was of each of them and all of his baseball stories.
May our God welcome "Stinky" into His home where one day we all will meet again.
Bob O'Brien
March 1, 2013
I served 6 years in the "Emmett" Guards with John. We had great fun in that hall and the other "Hall". A great guy! My deepest condolences to his family. RIP
Richard Prendiville
March 1, 2013
Cailah, Johnny, Meg My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Annette Tsuji
March 1, 2013
Rick ~ I am very sorry to read of your dear friend's passing.
March 1, 2013
John was a special kind of guy he loved to laugh but he will be remembered by many for his mustache. He was a nice person and will be missed.
Rest in peace John
Love Belinda A Pina
Spencer
Steve Johnson
February 28, 2013
To the Mclaughlin family- I am very saddened to hear of John's passing-We played Baseball together at Quinsigamond C.C.and always had some great times-I had not seen him for a few years but i always smiled when I thought of him-Again Sorry for your loss!
February 28, 2013
I am so sad today. John was a friend and co-worker at DSS for many years, and we had such wonderful times together. Stinky was 'electric': he was such a presence! Kind, funny, loving, always with a story... He would call me every Christmas for years, just to keep in touch. I hope his family can take some commfort in knowing that he touched so many like me with his warmth and goodness. So long old pal. I will miss you so much.
Bob Moro
jenn lynch
February 28, 2013
Meg, Johnny, & Cailah,
So sorry to hear, Lots of memories from Burncoat Terrace. Always in my thoughts. May you find comfort in the many memories you have.
Kerry Hynes
February 28, 2013
John,Meg, and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You guys are such a wonderful family and I hope that you are able to find comfort in all of your memories. <3
Russ and Michelle Lamacchia
February 28, 2013
We would like to extend our condolences to the McLaughlin family. May the warm memories of your time together carry you forward- always and forever.
February 28, 2013
With great sympathy, John was a great friend and coworker.
John and Pam O'Malley
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