Tom McLoughlin

1952 - 2016

Tom McLoughlin, 64, died on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016 at his home surrounded by family.  He was a quiet man who shared his many gifts with the people he loved most.  He was born on March 11, 1952 in Melrose, Mass., and spent his childhood years in Saugus, Mass.  He was the oldest brother of eight siblings, who turned to him in both the best and turbulent of times. Tom did not receive his education in a traditional way, but was encouraged to pursue his love of learning through a mentor.   He signed up for college classes as an "older student", went on to earn his Bachelor Degree and never stopped until he graduated with a Master's Degree in Government from Harvard. 

Tom loved the outdoors and the mountains and he took a leap of faith when he moved his young family to New Hampshire 24 years ago.  He quietly began to weave his unique blend of humility, common sense, compassion, and humor throughout his new community.  He volunteered with the Sutton Fire Department, became involved with the Musterfield Farm Museum and started teaching at Kearsarge Regional High School.  He was a great advocate for students who were non-traditional learners and felt passionately that given the space, knowledge, and ability to learn in a "hands on" manor, these student would grow to become successful adults. 

Tom was never still, he always had a project he was working on. He was an artist who used his hands, and brilliant mind to transform the tired old colonial he bought for his family, into a beautifully restored home filled with beautiful hand-crafted wood and metal pieces.  He spent many years building chicken coops, sheep pens, and gardens for his wife Martha, and swing-sets, sandboxes, and forts for his three kids.

But Tom's greatest legacy is the family that he leaves behind.  His purest joy was watching his children grow and he was in constant awe of these people that he created.  He often spoke of the unique personalities of each of his children and of how one of the greatest pleasures of his life was to watch them grow into the people they are today.  He was so incredibly proud of Kate, Ben and Ian and his last days on this earth were spent with his three children and his wife who all love him very much. 

Anyone who was fortunate enough to be able to spend time with Tom in his last few months were treated to this quiet man opening his heart to tell them how loved, wonderful, and meaningful they were. He felt blessed to have had this time to share his love with the people who meant the most to him. Tom's selflessness continues even after his death. His final wish was that his body be donated to the Harvard Medical School in the hopes that the intelligent minds there could learn from his body to help alleviate the suffering of others.

Tom leaves behind his wife of 27 years Martha, daughter Kate (26), and sons Benjamin (23) and Ian (19).  His brothers; Kevin McLoughlin and wife Maria, Jimmy McLoughlin and wife Susan, Brian McLoughlin and his wife Sherri, Shawn McLoughin, and Scott McLoughlin. In addition, his sisters MaryLou McLoughlin, Judy Murphy and her husband Joe, as well as his mother Florence McLoughlin and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

Tom was cared for by an amazing team of compassionate and brilliant caregivers at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Thomas J. McLoughlin in support of cancer research and patient care, and specifically to aid in the research of Tom's oncologist, Dr. David Takeda: Dana Farmer Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, Mass. 02284

Friends may call at the Chadwick Funeral Home, 235 Main Street, New London, N.H. on Monday, Nov. 21, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  A mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 724 Main Street, New London, N.H.

In Tom's memory, tell those who mean the most to you how much they are loved, and take a moment to go outside for a walk and appreciate the beauty of this area that Tom so much loved.  Make sure to bring a cookie with you.