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Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home

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Shrewsbury, Massachusetts

William McLaughlin Obituary

William J. McLaughlin, husband of Helen P. (Packard) McLaughlin went to his rest on Wednesday, December 23, 2009. He was surrounded by his children: Shelley Majewski and her husband, Chet, of Shrewsbury, Chris Ann Taylor of Shrewsbury, his son, Ward W. McLaughlin and his wife Melissa of Holden, and his step-daughter, Laurianne Manchester of Diamondhead, Mississippi.

William leaves his beloved grandchildren who received love and laughter through the years: Beth Kerbel and her husband, Jonathan of Scarborough, Maine, Capt. Kate Murray and her husband, Capt. Matthew Murray, USMC of Sneads Ferry, NC, Ryan Majewski of Shrewsbury, Jennifer Gavaletz and her husband Doug, of Dudley, Jillian Taylor and her fiancé, T.J. Jagling of Shrewsbury, Brittnie Taylor, attending Assumption College and living in Shrewsbury, Meghan McLaughlin and her fiancé Aaron Dubois of West Hartford, CT, Dan McLaughlin of Amherst, graduating from UMass and Zachary Bissonnett of Holden. His youngest grandson, William was named for him which was a great source of pride. May they remember him as a good guide and mentor.

William was also blessed with five great grandsons: Nathan and Benjamin, Kerbel of Scarborough, Maine, Taylor and Devin Gavaletz of Dudley and the newest addition, Max Madison Murray of Sneads Ferry, NC.

He was predeceased by two brothers: Edward McLaughlin of Brockton and James McLaughlin of Hyde Park. His first wife, Shirley McLaughlin of Shrewsbury, also predeceased him. William is survived by a beloved sister, Rita Gallagher of South Boston; as well as several nieces and nephews.

William was born in South Boston, son of the late Edward and Catherine (Ponce) McLaughlin. He spent his youth going to school and in his spare time sold papers on the corner, and shoveled snow for the city. He always was a hard and diligent worker.

He served as Pharmacist's mate in the United States Navy during WW II, serving on the carrier, U.S.S. WASP. He received the Purple Heart for injuries suffered when a Kamikaze hit the deck of the WASP. He was discharged in 1945 and joined the Merchant Marines. After leaving the service, he enrolled in Northeastern University where he received his B.A. Degree while working full-time at Maxium Motors. He continued his education and received his B.B.A and a M.B.A from Bentley College.

He was Vice President of Finance of Crompton Knowles in Worcester, he later owned Quality Pad in Leominster from 1973-1982 and Boutwell Owens from 1985-1989. He often said he interviewed for a position and he did not get the job, so he bought the company.

He was active in the First Congregational of Shrewsbury serving on the finance committee, stewardship, and the capital fund drive. He loved the church, the music, the sermons and "Coffee Hour". He served on the board SYFS and was treasurer of the South Meadow Condo Association for 15 years as well as a member of the Vernon Hill American Legion Post #435 in Worcester.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Sunday, December 27, 2009 from 3-6 P.M. in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury. There will be a Celebration of William's Life on Monday, December 28, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. in the First Congregational Church, 19 Church Road. Shrewsbury. Burial will be private.

William wishes in lieu of flowers, that you make a lasting contribution to one of his favorite organizations, SYFS, Attn: Jeff Chin, 240 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or to Abby's House Inc., Attn: Annette Rafferty, 52 High Street, Worcester, MA 01609. For directions or to leave a note of sympathy, please visit,

brittonfuneralhomes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Dec. 24 to Dec. 25, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for William McLaughlin

Not sure what to say?





January 4, 2010

Dear Helen, Bill was a wonderful vibrant person with the ability to light up a room when he came in and make everyone feel special, and just in case you dont know it, so are you! I believe Bill is at peace in heaven with loved ones making them feel special there, too. You are in my prayers and much loved. -Deniz Tello

Greg Sargis

December 28, 2009

Dear Helen, LAM and the McLaughlin Family:

Bill was such a presence wherever he went. We all had such great times together . He was definetly a man that would want everyone to celebrate life and not to dwell on his passing.

God Bless you Bill,

December 28, 2009

We just got back from the Cape this morning and were so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We'll always remember the fun times we had and our parents all had together. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Dave & Karen ( Lucey) Busenburg

Dorrie Haglund

December 27, 2009

To Helen and the Mclaughlin Family,

My deepest sympathy to all of you. It was a pleasure to know Bill and take care of his nails. He was always very appreciative. May the love of your family and friends carry you all through your grief. God Bless.

Len & Noreen Kuhn

December 27, 2009

Grampy as Bill was known to us was a true gentleman, kind of heart and full of life. We know he was treasured by the entire family and will be misssed greatly. Our prayers go out to all.

Len & Noreen Kuhn

Mildred Alpern

December 26, 2009

Dear Helen and the McLaughlin Family,
My cousin, Billy, was someone to be so proud of. I shall always remember him in his handsome white sailor suit visiting my home in Dorchester many years ago, his wonderful humor, his intelligence and grace, and his pride in his beautiful and extensive family.
He lived an admirable life.

Millie (Rosoff) and Hale Alpern, NYC, NY

Casey Gallant

December 26, 2009

Shelly, Chet, Kate, Ryan, Beth and the rest of the clan, Bill will truely be missed by us Cape Codders. He always had us laughing, and those are the memories we will cherish! With Love and sympathy,

December 26, 2009

Shelly, Chet, Chrisann, Wardm, Missy, and the rest of the McLaughlin family. Our thoughts and prayers our with you during this time. He was a wonderful man and full of life. Remember the good time you had with him.

Julia and Judy Lanza
Leominster

Crystal Mac Kenzie

December 26, 2009

Ryan and Family- I am so sorry for your loss. Over the last 3 years I am thankful that I got to know your grandfather. Remembering good times at Romaine's, Christmas brunch at the Beechwood, and microwaving his icecream for a few seconds to get it just the way he liked it, will always make me smile. May all your memeories, good times and laughs with Grampy always live on in your heart.

Robert Padula

December 24, 2009

You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Bob Padula

December 24, 2009

Dan, Nancy and Ward family - we are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Jurgen, Carolyn, Michelle & Julienne

Nancy Carlo

December 24, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I know it has been very stressful for you and your family. My prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Laurie Millan

December 24, 2009

Chrisann,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family in your time of sorrow. Chrisann, may it help you to know he is now resting in PEACE! God bless you and your family.

Mary DeSalvo

December 24, 2009

Dear Helen, and the McLaughlin Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
We know you are finding a few minutes in your difficult days
to remember something humourous that was uniquely Bill.
and I expect he is laughing that big laugh as you do.
Best,
Mary & John DeSalvo

Mark Lubin

December 24, 2009

Billy, we'll miss you.

Kathie & Mark Lubin

December 24, 2009

Dear Ward and family, We are so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. We have many great memories of him. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Love, Walt and Pat

December 24, 2009

Chris Ann & family,

We were so sorry to hear about your Dad. I know how close you all were to him. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Love, John, Kathy & Liz Tarpinian

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

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Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home

648 Main Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545

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