Gary L. "Paca" McLaughlin

Gary L. "Paca" McLaughlin, 71, of Pottsville, passed away Wednesday, July 16th, at Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital, Orwigsburg.

Born in Coaldale, PA on May 30, 1954, he was the son of the late Marian V. (Rothermal) and John McLaughlin.

Married 39 years, Paca was the husband of Janet B. (Feeley) McLaughlin.

After graduation from Tamaqua Area High School in 1973, Paca attended Lehigh County Community College where he received an Associate’s Degree in Drafting and Design.

Paca was employed for 15 years at Garden State Tanning in Fleetwood before continuing his career at Hollywood Casino, where he worked until his retirement in 2010.

Paca was deeply involved with ECWA Wrestling, where he served as a security guard and volunteered much of his time beyond that role. In recognition of his dedication, he was honored with induction into the ECWA Hall of Fame in 2007 and received a commemorative plaque.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Paca gave much of his time to youth and community sports. He served as an umpire for softball and baseball games and a referee for football, basketball, and others. He especially enjoyed his time with Railway Little League Baseball in Pottsville, where he made a lasting impact on many young athletes.

In addition to his wife, Paca is survived by two daughters: Melissa Sue, wife of Jeffrey Zipp, and Kelly Lee, wife of Nathan Smith. He is also survived by two grandchildren: Marc Colon, fiance of Justice Nelson; Jayden Zipp; a great granddaughter, Violet Wise; a sister, Carol Ann, wife of Charles Keck; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Gregory Joel McLaughlin and Melissa Sue’s mother, Kathy Thomas.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, July 22nd at Lord Ebling Haus Funeral Home & Crematory, Pottsville. A viewing will be held from 9:30 until the start of services. Interment will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Tamaqua.

At the family’s request, memorial contributions in Pacas’s memory may be made to Little League Baseball; please make your check payable to: Little League Baseball, Incorporated ATTN: Philanthropy and Social Impact Dept. and mail to: PO Box 3485, 539 US Route 15 Hwy, Williamsport, PA 17701-0485.