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THOMAS MCLAUGHLIN Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS MCLAUGHLIN
Scott Pell
February 22, 2019
Tom and I were close friends during our seminary days at Notre Dame, back in the late seventies. He was always so funny, bright, passionate and compassionate. Though we both ended up leaving Holy Cross and the priesthood, and losing touch with one another, we reconnected in 2008 over the phone as if we hadn't seen each other since just the day before. We talked, laughed, reminisced and agreed we'd love to see each other again.
Only this past week, I was thinking of Tom and wondering how he was doing, when another former CSC informed me that he had died in 2016. Today, I watched the video celebrating his life, and wept both for a deep sense of loss, but also for the joy of having known such a wonderful person whom I loved as my friend.
Rest In Peace, my dear friend, and may your loved ones know that your life and passing continues to resonate years later. May we meet again in the Love and Joy that moves the Sun and other stars.
Naeem Hashmi
October 27, 2017
Sad to learn that he is no longer among us. He was a great colleague during my days at iHope. Rest in Peace.
Ginny Briggs
October 14, 2016
I just learned of Tom's death today, and am deeply saddened by this news. Tom was a wonderful teacher, friend, colleague and all around person. Tom was my mentor for my first semester as a doctoral student at UMass Medical School in 2005, and later served on my doctoral committee. During that first semester, my father became very sick and was in the hospital for a month before passing. My life was very stressful during that month, taking care of two young children, visiting my father in Boston, and managing graduate work all at the same time. Tom talked with me many times, comforting me, and gently helping me through a very rough period. One day, when I was trying to hold my head up and get through the day's work under his supervision, he looked at me and said "go to a movie". He reminded me that I had to take care of myself and sitting in front of a computer when I was feeling so badly was not good for me. I left, and went to a movie, as instructed. I felt so much better just taking the afternoon off, and I will never forget the simple advice that comes to mind whenever I am feeling overwhelmed. He was a pleasure to know and work with, and I feel honored that he served on my dissertation committee.
Steven Locke
October 6, 2016
Sad news. My condolences to his friends and family.
The Reverend Daniel FitzSimmons
September 30, 2016
I was deeply saddened and shocked to learn of Tommy's passing today. We have been friends since high school, and although our paths took different turns, we always managed to stay in touch. I know he rests peacefully now with his Savior, whom he loved dearly. May God's grace and comfort sustain Onesky and Tommy's family as they mourn. My prayers and blessings go with you.
In Christ Always,
Danny+
Patrick Robertson
July 26, 2016
I only knew Tom for a short while but he made quite an impact on me. The contributions he made to the world were obvious in our talks together. He will be remembered for those contributions. I will also remember the man with the great smile and wonderful, sincere laugh. I wish I had had the chance to get to spend more time getting to know him but feel fortunate to have enjoyed his company.
Rest in peace Tom.
Patrick Robertson
Kara Zivin
July 26, 2016
Tom was my dissertation chair and was very supportive of me and my career development. I was saddened today to belatedly hear of this sad news. My condolences to his family and especially to Onesky.
Onesky Aupont
July 25, 2016
All Things Pass.
All my senses are illusions.
All my feelings are illusions.
Even love happens but even love passes leaving long memories that fetter my being.
As I climb down in the dark with stillness all around looking for meaning,
I spy an old woman in tattered clothes sitting near a fire with her full dress pulled between her feet.
I approach her dry, dirty even very thirsty.
Behind her is a trickle of water flowing into the inky darkness.
I look at her and say, it isn't much
She does not look at me, but stirring the ashes says but it is enough
I learn to be satisfied in the stillness with dark all around.
By Thomas J. McLaughlin (September 2015)
A contemporary wise man, Father Robert Antonelli, Tom's Spiritual Director and Brother in Christ of over 45 years said the following. Death is a graduation, without death, we would never find the wholeness that most of us longed for on earth. According to him, Tom successfully completed the cycle. Not before his time, but at his pace and guided by God.
He knew TOM as someone who was open to wholeness; who never considered himself to be more than just a visitor passing through amongst us; whom even in his happier moments longed to be in a greater place; and finally as a man whose life and experience on earth are meant to show us how to live into death and beyond.
A Bengali Poet, Rabindranath Tagore, once wrote:
Death is not extinguishing the light. It's putting out the lamp because dawn has come.
Tom's reflective writing and dictation portray similar philosophy of life and death. His journals reveal much about his faith, belief, values, and ultimate goal on earth. He was a man greater than one could imagine. Yet he made of simplicity and humility the core fabric of his existence. In his humble way, through his work, his prayers, and compassion for mankind, he has touched the lives of millions. His legacy both scientific and humanitarian will continue to impact our lives until the end of time.
Barbara Macy
July 11, 2016
Tom, you were a kind and funny and very good man. A true friend to me and all who knew you and many who never got the honor of meeting you. I am so shocked and sad that you have made your journey beyond this world so very soon. I am so glad that you and Onesky found each other and made such a wonderful life together. I will always love you. Barbara
Steve Carreras
July 6, 2016
On tonight's plane ride to Boston I'm struck by the other last flight to see my friends in Waltham. When you heard I was alone on Thanksgiving you called me and invited me up for a turkey dinner with you and Onesky. You insisted that I fly up (now) despite you and Onesky being in the air for 23 hours arriving in Boston that the same day. And sure enough, on Friday, we ate like "kings." A memory CHERISHED and I have the picture of the homemade (from scratch) apple pie to remember. So tonight, Tom, Golden Slumbers.
Sandra Kiplagat
July 6, 2016
Tom was always in happy spirits, and I am grateful to have known him even though it was for a short time. He was a great supervisor who encouraged me to pursue independent course work and always looked at the bright side of things. I am glad to have worked with him. May God bless his family and rest his soul in eternal peace!
Ton and Baker
Onesky Aupont
July 6, 2016
We are all heartened by all of the wonderful things that Tom accomplished in his too short life. Under the circumstances, it is hard to use the common expressions that he left for a better place.
Tom also leaves behind many, long standing friends whose relationships of many years (or 'over time'), have demonstrated his enormous strength, courage, compassion and capacity to love and give generously and freely of himself.
With his passing, the scientific community has lost a contributor;
We have lost a FRIEND,
However
The sick children have earned one more angel to pray for them;
The mentally ill get one more advocate in heaven,
He now can to give himself to more,
And such was his life on earth.
Au revoir et Merci Tommy.
Ron Steingard
July 5, 2016
You were a great friend colleague, and ofttimes mentor and consigliere. You will be sorely missed by many of us. Rest.
Clare Gottleb
July 5, 2016
You embodied in your being a genuine kindness, gentleness & compassion, a faith & courage to walk through what laid before you, an enormous capacity for empathy, a sparkling, thoughtful and respectful intelligence, your fun loving sense of humor, all wrapped into a spirit that never made one feel judged but showered with unconditional love and acceptance.
You were able to go to depths not many are able to touch, often at great cost to you, and with that gift, you helped others heal their greatest life pains in life.
I have been so blessed over these decades Tom to share in such an honest, loving and mutually supportive friendship. I think back with warmth meeting up with you and your mom at sunrise on the cliffs of HP, our sojourns to the shores of Cape Ann and the hours talking incessantly in Harvard Square. I will be mindful of the presence of your essence Tom in all things around me. You live forever in Loveland gratitude within my heart until we meet again. I pray that you find the peace you so deserve, and that you kick it up some up there:) Thought I saw you last night in the Boston skyline, above the fireworks having a grand old time. Love you, miss you. Will remember always.
Clare
Bill McDowell
July 5, 2016
Tom,
I am so grateful to have had you in my life. You were a man of integrity and humor. I will always remember our rides to and from Belmont on Friday evenings. You will be missed. Rest in joy and peace, my friend.
Marge and Mike Solomon
July 4, 2016
Tom was always so friendly and upbeat. We enjoyed his humor and intelligence about many subjects. At various holidays with our dear friends in Shrewsbury, Tom would show up with some goodies, sometimes with his partner and sometimes alone. The laughs never stopped. We were very fond of him, as he was a great listener, and always gave you an answer, even if he couldn't figure out what you meant. In other words, he made you feel comfortable and never made you feel he was better than you. We'll miss him and his friendly smile. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Love,
Margie and Mike
Christine Baker
July 3, 2016
Dear Tom:
we will miss you so much. You have always been so wonderful to us.
There are not enough words for Smitty and myself to try to say how much
we loved and will miss you Tom. love Christine & Smitty
John Haberis
July 3, 2016
Dear Tom,
You were a friend full of substance.
I will miss your very much and will remember you fondly
Sweet Dreams
John
Sandra Ehimwenma
July 3, 2016
You Will be missed dearly tommy, my heart aches for your sudden departure. I am thankful to God for the last couple of day we spent together the prior to your unexpected departure. Bon voyage, until we meet again, in Jesus Name, I love you tom!
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