William J. McLaughlin

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