Thomas Mclaughlin
Age - 73
October 23, 2023
Thomas Robert McLaughlin passed away on October 20, 2023 following a courageous 22-month battle with mesothelioma. He left this world peacefully, surrounded by loving family - the thing he most treasured in this world. He was 73 years old. Born November 18, 1949 to Claire and Kenneth McLaughlin, Tom and his five siblings were raised in Valley Stream, NY, eventually moving to Port Jefferson Station, NY, where he met the love of his life, Lillian (nee Sagristano). While in high school, Tom met Lillian through his sister Audrey and they have been practically inseparable for the 57 years since. After graduating Longwood High School, Tom enlisted in the Navy and was commissioned on the aircraft carrier U. S. S. Wasp during the Vietnam War, taking a month's leave to marry his childhood sweetheart on October 31, 1971. It was during his time in the Navy that Tom learned the welding trade, transitioning to become a steamfitter following his honorable discharge in 1972. He worked for 35 years as a proud member of the Steamfitters Local Union #638 before retiring in 2007 to enjoy well-earned time with Lillian and his family. Tom was a truly devoted family man and knew well that the simple things were the most important. He and Lillian raised three children in Selden, NY, and he loved nothing as much as spending time with his family, including his six beloved grandchildren. He could always be found cheering for his kids and grandkids on the sideline, the BMX track, at theater and dance performances, and in the gym bleachers - traveling to see them at every opportunity, and watching their live-streamed events when he was unable to travel. Holidays and family vacations were treasured times, and Tom enjoyed visits throughout the year, and on annual trips to Florida and to Avalon, NJ. Tom was a die-hard NY Rangers fan, almost never missing a game, and also loved watching the Yankees. He enjoyed live music and good food, and he loved warm sunshine and the sea, spending time boating on the Long Island Sound, and fishing and crabbing the local waters. He could often be found at the nearest beach, sifting for shells or finding hidden treasures with his metal detector. After retirement, Tom and Lillian lived life to the fullest. Their social media pages read like a travelogue where all could follow along on their latest adventure or night on the town. They enjoyed trips across Asia, Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and throughout the USA. Tom and Lillian also always found time to visit Walt Disney World, which remained magical to them since visiting on their honeymoon in 1971 shortly after the Magic Kingdom first opened. They eventually found a second home in Jupiter, FL, which quickly became Tom's happy place and where they would spend each winter with their cherished Ocean Cove community and with vacationing family, relaxing in the pool and at the beach. Thomas is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 51 years, Lillian (Lilly), their three children - Thomas McLaughlin II (Christie) of Ramsey, NJ, Tracy Wilson (Greg) of Port Jefferson, NY, Heather Betz (Keith) of Fairport, NY, six grandchildren - Jack (18), Sean (16), Kate (16), Samantha (14), Ethan (14), Keira (11), and three siblings - brother Wayne, and sisters Claire Lange and Audrey Jenkins. Thomas is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Claire McLaughlin, his brother Kenneth McLaughlin Jr. , and his sister Carol Burke. Services will be held at Bryant Funeral Home in Setauket, NY on Sunday, October 29, 2023 from 12:00-4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, Tom's family suggests a donation to Stand Up To Cancer where 100% of every dollar raised funds cancer research -Show more
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