COCHITUATE: John L. Laughlin, 84, a lifelong resident of Wayland passed away on Saturday, August 14, 2021 after a short battle with health issues.
John was born on January 26, 1937 in the Cochituate section of Wayland in the family homestead where he continued to reside for his entire life.
He was the son of the late Edward W. Laughlin and Emily Florence (O’Halloran) Laughlin.
John is survived by his brother Charles Laughlin of Pittsburg, PA and his sister Louise Lieb of Los Angeles, CA. Brother of the late Joseph Francis “Franny” Laughlin; Robert E. Laughlin and Daniel R. Laughlin, as well as his late sister-in-law Patricia Laughlin of whom he was particularly fond of. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
John graduated from Wayland High School with the Class of 1956 and immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force in June of 1956. He continued as a reservist after being honorably discharged. His service to his country spanned more than 40 years. Prior to his retirement from the reserves, he was stationed in Giebelstadt, Germany during the construction of the Berlin Wall. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal for his demonstration of honor, efficiency and fidelity and was the recipient of the Longevity Service Award. He had many fond memories of his time in the service and enjoyed regaling other with such stories, including meeting President John F. Kennedy. When he was not on active duty with the U.S. Air Force, he worked for the Xerox Corporation supervising the training of Xerox technicians. He continued to maintain friendships with others from his Xerox days right up until his passing.
When John retired from Xerox, and not one to sit idle, he became the maintenance caretaker for all of the buildings at Saint Zepherin Church in Cochituate where he was an active member of the church community during his entire life.
He enjoyed collecting model planes and trains as well as books and videos about military history, particularly World War II. He also loved hiking in the White Mountains, the outdoors, fixing all things seemingly broken and time spent with children. He had many fond memories of taking neighborhood and friends children to the movies and the drive-in theater. John never married nor had children of his own and they all became his extended family. He was very proud of the many years he was able to take care of his mother at their Wayland home prior to her passing. John will be fondly remembered and loved by all who knew him and the many lives that he touched over the years.
Visitations will be held on Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 9:15 to 10:15 am at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Road (off Rt. 30), Cochituate Village, Wayland followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am at Good Shepherd Parish at St. Zepherin Church, 99 Main St (Rt, 27), Cochituate Village, Wayland.
Interment will follow in the Laughlin family lot in Lakeview Cemetery, Wayland.
In lieu of flowers, you are kindly asked to remember John’s with gifts to Saint Zepherin Church, where he was active.