Francis E. "Gene" McLaughlin

1933 - 2022

Francis E. “Gene” McLaughlin, 88, of Mentor, died January 7, 2022. He was born October 24, 1933 in Cleveland. A U.S. Navy veteran who proudly served his country, Gene was also a restauranteur owning Perkins in both Mentor and Willowick where most of his family got their first job over the years. He also co-owned The Pewter Mug in Mentor and he worked at IBM and Hough Catering. His hobbies included music, fishing, playing cards, golf, and playing the piano. He enjoyed many years singing in the Barbershop Chorus, both as a quartet singer and serving many years as the Director of the chorus. He enjoyed being with his family and friends, traveling with his wife, playing racquetball, and telling jokes. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Nancy McLaughlin (Sterbenz); children, John (Debbie) McLaughlin, Maureen Kmetko and Michele (Steve) Racutt; grandchildren, Gina, Kiley, Danielle, Stephan (Brittani), Michael (Stacy), Kelsey; and his great grandchildren, Jaxson, Jayden, Carter, Dexter, Camille, Connor and Eve.He was preceded in death by his mother, Vera Shaughnessy and his son in law Greg Kmetko.The family will receive friends to celebrate Gene’s life from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, February 25, 2022 at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com.