John Donald McLaughlin of West Roxbury, passed away on April 3, 2025. Beloved husband of Angela (Kraft) McLaughlin. Devoted father of John Donald McLaughlin, Jr. and his wife Breana of Arizona, Thomas More McLaughlin and his wife Adrianna of Framingham, Anna Elizabeth McCormick of Natick, Theresa Marie McLaughlin and her husband Brian Estepe of Braintree, and Joseph Francis McLaughlin of Roslindale. Son of the late Joseph and Ellen (Rafferty) McLaughlin. Dear brother of the late Eleanor Karshis, Mary Fermano, Joseph McLaughlin, Alice Dixon, Jeanne Skelton, Ruth Gibbons, and Robert McLaughlin. Loving grandfather of Connor O’Gara and his wife Chloé, Audrey and Abbie McCormick, and Stella McLaughlin. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Jack McLaughlin grew up on Woodward Avenue in Roxbury, Massachusetts, the second youngest in a traditionally oversized Irish Catholic family of 10, stuffed in a small apartment during the Great Depression. Graduated from Boston English High School and attended Northeastern, under the G.I. Bill. Enlisted in the Army in 1952, serving in the Army Security Agency as a morse code interceptor in Alaska and Washington D.C. until 1955.
Jack married Angela Kraft of Roslindale, on August 31st, 1968 at Holy Name Parish and settled in West Roxbury to raise their 5 children. Their love story of over 57 years saw many challenges, but their bond was as strong in their last days together as it was in their first days.
Worked for Boston Edison as a lab technician for 45 years, retiring in 1994. Lifetime member of the DAV, who advocated for incarcerated veterans, and served as Commander of Chapter 90 in Norwood and Junior State Commander of Massachusetts (2001-04). As a DAV Transportation Program volunteer driver, he logged 37,000 miles transporting veterans to VA medical appointments in New England. Volunteered as a Patient Greeter at Dana Farber Infusion Center for cancer patients at BWH Faulkner Hospital. Supporter of many causes, including KNOM Jesuit radio in Alaska, the economically disadvantaged, and indigenous peoples.
Jack was a passionate hockey and sports fan, as well as avid reader who most enjoyed books on American history, military, the Cold War, religion, politics, and philosophy. A lover of travel and family vacations, most profoundly for him a trip back to Alaska over 40 years after he was stationed in Nome. Devout Catholic and parishioner of Holy Name Parish since 1968. Friend of Bill W since 1981.
His irreverent and imaginative sense of humor could make anyone laugh, regardless of their age or background. Jack's lasting legacy is his unending love for his five children, four grandchildren, and extended family. The most important thing in life to Jack was time with his family and hearing his clan laugh together.
Go Bruins!
Visiting Hours at the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St., West Roxbury on Friday, April 11th from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Funeral from the funeral home on Saturday, April 12th at 10:00am. Followed by a Funeral Mass in Holy Name Church, 1689 Centre St., West Roxbury at 11:00am. Interment Holyhood Cemetery, Chestnut Hill. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to KNOM Radio Mission, PO Box 988, Nome, AK 99762 or www.knom.org or to Holy Name Parish, 1689 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA 02132 or www.holynameparish.com. For guest book please visit www.gormleyfuneral.com