Thomas R. McLaughlin

Thomas "Tom" R. McLaughlin, 82, a retired self-employed electrician and contractor, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 3rd in Calabash, NC. Thomas was the beloved husband of Mary E. (Naylor) McLaughlin for 63 years.
Born in Providence RI, he was the son of the late Charles A. McLaughlin and Adeline R. (Hammond) McLaughlin. Thomas was the loving father of Thomas R. McLaughlin Jr., Michael T. McLaughlin and his wife Gina, and Karin A. (McLaughlin) French. He was the cherished grandfather ("Papa") of Erin, Amanda, Matthew, Shane, and the late Thomas III, each of whom brought him immense pride. He was the brother of Mary Kinsey, James McLaughlin, Stephen McLaughlin, Robert McLaughlin, Arlene Oakley, and the late Charles McLaughlin, Florence Tambini, William McLaughlin, Joan Cavanaugh, and Veronica Olson. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Tom lived his life with generosity, dedication, and warm, witty humor. He found joy in woodworking and building-always creating or improving something with his skilled hands. He shortly served in the Army National Guard while building a life centered around his family and hard work at his company T.M Electric. He loved spending time on the golf course, cooking for the people he loved, riding his bike, making wine, spending summers on Block Island, and enjoying his cars-especially the sporty ones. Above all else his greatest joy was the family he built and loved so deeply. Tom filled every day with his trademark charm and good-natured wit. His legacy lives on in the stories he told, the lessons he taught, the things he crafted, and through his devoted and loving wife, Mary. His family will forever carry the warmth of his spirit and the strength of his love.
Thomas's family will honor him with a memorial and Celebration of Life at a later date in Rhode Island. This gathering will be open to family and friends, with details to follow in January 2026.