Jerome "Jerry" McLaughlin

Jerome J. (Jerry) McLaughlin passed away peacefully at home in Savannah, Georgia, on April 20, 2025, with his beloved wife of 42 years, Denise, by his side.

He was born to William John and Dorothy Ruth (Sullivan) McLaughlin on February 10, 1944, in Queens, New York. Raised in Lynbrook, Long Island, Jerry graduated from Lynbrook High School and went on to study at East Carolina College and Long Island University, earning a degree in U.S. History and Education.

Jerry served his country honorably in the U.S. Army before beginning a 30-year career with the Federal government, retiring in 2003 from the Central Intelligence Agency as a member of the Senior Intelligence Service.

In retirement, Jerry moved to Savannah, where he devoted himself to historical preservation at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, serving as Project Manager for the restoration of the B-17 City of Savannah.

A passionate historian and prolific writer, he authored five books, including D-Day + 60 Years: A Small Piece of History, which uncovered the fate of his uncle on D-Day, and B-17 Flying Fortress Restoration, which chronicled the restoration project that became one of his proudest achievements.

Jerry was deeply devoted to his family, friends, country, and community. A lifelong volunteer firefighter, he served with pride in Lynbrook's Tally-Ho Company 3, the Flood Light Unit, and later with the Southside Savannah Fire Department.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Denise; his brother, William McLaughlin (Marianne); his nieces, Meghan Zelles (Ned) and Kara McLaughlin; his nephew, Kevin McLaughlin; his
great-nieces, Margaret, Haley, and Reagan Zelles; and his cousins, Margaret Young (Alex) and Katherine Smith (the late Kenneth). He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Joseph McLaughlin, and his nephew Brian McLaughlin.

He also rejoins his beloved Wheaten Terriers-Duffy, Murphy, Annie, and Oliver-beyond the rainbow bridge.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Coastal Care Partners for their devoted care.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 21, at 3 p.m. at the Chapel of the Fallen Eagles at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler, followed by interment in the museum's memorial garden and a reception in the Colonial Art Gallery.

On behalf of Denise, sincere thanks to all who shared in Jerry's life. Your friendship, love, and prayers meant more to him than words can express.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the City of Savannah B-17 Restoration Project at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, Georgia 31322.