Dennis Martin McLaughlin

It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved husband, Dennis McLaughlin. Dennis passed away peacefully at the Baltimore Veterans Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland on December 26, 2025, after a nine-month battle with cancer. He fought this battle the way he lived his life, with bravery and courage.

Dennis was born on March 2, 1949, in Teaneck, New Jersey to Eileen (nee Hutchinson) McLaughlin and Vincent McLaughlin

A graduate of Toms River High School, Class of 1967, Toms River, New Jersey, he excelled at sports. He participated in football and gymnastics and was the captain of the wrestling team earning a District Championship. He loved to surf, sing, and play the guitar. He was often heard belting out the classics in his family's basement. In 1966, he met the love of his life and future wife, Alta (Reynolds) McLaughlin.

After high school, Dennis attended Kentucky Wesleyan University in Owensboro, Kentucky, until he was drafted during the Vietnam War Era. He enlisted in the United States Navy and entered active-duty service on August 08, 1972, in NAS, Jacksonville, Florida. Dennis served aboard the USS Independence CV-62, VA-12 for three tours and was stationed at NAS Cecil Field, Florida, as an Enlisted Aviation Fire Control Officer (AQ2).

Dennis' three tours aboard the USS Independence were: June 1973 – January 1974 – Mediterranean Cruise, July 1974 – January 1975, Mediterranean Cruise and, October 1975 – May 1976 North Atlantic/Mediterranean Cruise where he earned the Order of the Blue Nose.

During his eight years in the Navy Dennis was able to fulfill his love of history and photography by visiting many historical sites in Italy, Spain and England. During his last cruise he was seriously injured aboard ship and was transferred to his last duty station as a photographer at the Naval Weapons Evaluation Facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico. On August 14, 1978, he received his Honorable Discharge and two good conduct medals. Dennis was very proud of his military service and held true to his Oath of Enlistment throughout his life.

After his separation from the Navy, Dennis moved back to New Jersey and started his business, Dog Bone Express, and began his career as a courier. His training in the military helped make him an excellent Lead Driver and earned him the respect of his co-workers. Dennis was well known with everyone who knew him for his love of history and his humor. In 2013, he reunited with the love of his life, Alta. They married on July 18, 2014, and moved to Baltimore in 2017, where they lived happily until Dennis' death.

Dennis survived by his sisters Suellen Perlmutter (Jeremy), Kyle Tazi (Mo), and Maureen Saurello (Rocco). His children are Keith McLaughlin, Cathleen McLaughlin, Vincent McLaughlin (Alissa), Kate McLaughlin, and his stepdaughter Kathleen Kramer (Tony). He has four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He adored his beloved Australian Shepherd, Maggie, who was by his side constantly.

Dennis will receive a military funeral and interment at the Baltimore National Veterans Cemetery in Catonsville, Maryland on a date yet to be announced. This announcement will be made on Legacy and on Facebook.

May you have Fair Winds and Following Seas, my love.