John J. MacLaughlan, Jr. Print

John J. MacLaughlan, Jr.

Loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle
 
 John J. MacLaughlan, Jr., 77, of Lowell and Scituate, died Wednesday, April 5th at D’Youville Senior Care in Lowell surrounded by his wife and children. He was the beloved husband of Catherine L. (Ford) MacLaughlan who survives him and with whom he would have celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary on April 17th.
 Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, May 26, 1939, a son of the late John J. and the late Marian E. (Martin) MacLaughlan, he attended Lowell schools and was a graduate of Lowell High School in the Class of 1957.
 After graduation from Lowell High School in 1957, he entered Merrimack College and graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics. John also graduated from Boston College in 1964 with a Master of Arts Degree in Economics.
 In 1961 he began a teaching career that spanned 39 years. He became a full time teacher at Chelmsford High School in 1963, where he taught Economics and Political Science until 2000. Besides his teaching duties, John was the Chelmsford High School golf coach from 1963-1989 where he was awarded coach of the year numerous times. John also enjoyed running the scoreboard at home football games for many years.  
 An avid golfer, John was a former member of Vesper Country Club, and Long Meadow Golf Club, where he represented both clubs in the Lowell City Tournament over 20 times. John was a four-time club champion at Long Meadow. He was also a proud member of the “Hat Rack Club”, a close-knit group of neighborhood friends from childhood to today. John was a communicant and life-long member of the Immaculate Conception Parish.
 In addition to his wife Cathy, John is survived by five children John J. MacLaughlan, III of West Roxbury, MA, Ellen L. Slattery and her husband David of Lowell, Thomas F. MacLaughlan of Lowell, Daniel J. MacLaughlan and his wife Kristina of Burlington, MA and Beth A. MacLaughlan and her fiancé Frank Giliberti of Lowell; three grandsons Cameron John, Jack Frederick and Jason Daniel MacLaughlan; a sister Elizabeth Ann Shanley of Lowell; three brothers Kevin D. MacLaughlan and his wife Donna, James M. MacLaughlan and David W. MacLaughlan all of Lowell; a brother-in-law T. Joseph Shanley of Lowell; and several nieces and nephews.
 John’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff of D’Youville Senior Care for their care, compassion and concern during his stay there.
 Friends may call at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. from 1 to 5 P.M. on Sunday therefore allowing his golf buddies to venture home to catch the end of the Masters Golf Tournament on television. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday morning at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH in Lowell (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH) at 11 o’clock followed by his Committal Prayers at St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Immaculate Conception Church Building Fund, 3 Fayette St, Lowell, MA 01852. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.
Condolences (7)
  • Hank Polacke
    Sorry to hear about John but he was blessed to pass as he did ... surrounded by a loving family.
  • Peggy Hassett  - To Betsy and the McLaughlan Family
    I am deeply sorry to learn of John’s passing. He was a true gentleman with a kind and caring manner that touched many lives. A good heart stopped beating; a good soul was welcomed into Heaven. May your loving memories sustain you, may friends surround you and love give you strength and peace. My prayers are with John’s family and all those who will miss him. With deepest sympathy, Peggy Hassett
  • Gail From D'Youville
    John was a great guy so glad to have known him RIP your friend Gail
  • Michael Rynne  - Long ago
    Dear James, Betsy and family, our condolences and thoughts are with you and the family at this difficult time. Our families in Belvidere crossed in so many ways. From our days at the Oakland school through high school it was a hectic time, remembered. We hope your days brighten and peace as well. With deepest sympathy, Michael and Barbara Rynne Formerly of Lowell and now in South Carolina
  • Frank and Rita Georges  - Condolence
    Cathy and Family, Sorry to learn of John's passing. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Frank and Rita Georges
  • mary[ vaillancourt ]smith
    Mr. MacLaughlan was one of the best very teachers I experienced at Chelmsford High. I was in his class the 1st year he taught at CHS. Our son David was one of Mr. Mac's students at the end of career. We both loved going to his class Mary Smith CHS class of 1965 David Smith CHS class of 1990
  • warren DeSaulnier
    John was a wonderful guy and friend. I can't express enough how good he was to me way back when.Cathy,Jim, and family you have my deepest sympathy. RIP coach.
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