Richard P. McLaughlin

Richard P. McLaughlin (Dick) of Macomb, Michigan, died peacefully on September 16, 2025 at the age of 102. Dick was born in Detroit on August 3, 1923, to Eugene and Clara McLaughlin. After attending Eastern High School in Detroit, he was drafted to serve in the US Army in the Aleutian Islands during WWII. Upon returning, he began his 75+ year tenure in the funeral industry, graduating from Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science in 1949. Initially working for FB Hunter, Dick joined Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Directors, where he continued his illustrious life-long career, even returning to work full-time just weeks after "retiring" in 1988. Believed to be the oldest active funeral director in the country, he worked tirelessly through his 100th year. He never wavered in his deep care of the deceased and his compassion for their loved ones that he served day in and day out. We are proud to know his presence offered great comfort to thousands of families in their darkest hours. After becoming a baptized Catholic while in the Army, Dick's faith in the Lord remained his constant companion and he was a loyal parishioner of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica. Dick had also been a member of the American Legion Post 253 in Royal Oak, Royal Oak Elks Lodge 1523, and the Madison Heights Kiwanis Club. Just as important as his official roles were his countless friendships he maintained with buddies of all ages, most notably his incredible coworkers, benevolent neighbors, and the good-natured staff and bar patrons of Ciccarelli's and Hamlin Pub, where he was known to have a pop or two. He was always ready, with unmatched humor, for a good time - golfing, bowling, gambling, and watching the Lions and Tigers. Dick was a loving father to Janice (Greg) Despres, Gayle Barker (Tom Kane), Barbara (Brodie) Burton, Richard Jr., and former son-in-law John Peardon. A devoted grandfather to Alyssa Peardon Crowder, Amy (Todd) Bultynck, Andrea Peardon, Bradley Burton (Chanelle Pickens), Bret (Carryn) Burton, Bryan (Jenna) Barker, and Timothy (Tiffany) Barker. A doting and joyous great-grandfather to Austin Crowder, Gracyn, Gabrielle, and Dylann Bultynck, Eva and Brodie Burton, Trexon Barker, Calista and Danica Barker, and Wyatt Richard Peardon. And a treasure to the many, many friends of those grandchildren who grew up lucky enough to call him Gramps, too. Dick was predeceased by his parents, Eugene and Clara, brother Eugene Arthur, sister Irene, wife Genevieve, former wife Shirlee Creagh, son-in-law Roger Barker, and more dear friends than he could count. We know his heavenly reunion was an extraordinary scene of jubilation. Visitation for Dick will be held on Sunday, September 21, from 5 - 8 p.m. and on Monday, September 22, from 2 - 8 p.m. (Scripture Service at 6:30 p.m.) at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Directors, 705 W. 11 Mile Rd. (four blocks east of Woodward), Royal Oak. A Funeral Mass for Dick will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 23, at 10:00 a.m. (visitation 9:30 a.m.) at National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, 2100 Twelve Mile Rd., Royal Oak. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak. The family has requested memorials in Dick's name be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation (https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate) or Hospice of Michigan (https://secure.qgiv.com/for/hospiceofmichigan). Please share a memory at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com.