1 Photo
William Christopher McLaughlin of Hampton Bays died on April 12, after a brief illness. He was 75.
Mr. McLaughlin was born to James and Gertrude McLaughlin in Hollis, Queens, on April 7, 1941. He served in the U.S. Army and retired from the Long Island Lighting Company after 35 years of service. He then worked as a line technician at Gabreski Airport in Westhampton for many years. He was a loyal volunteer at the United Methodist Thrift Shop in Hampton Bays.
Survivors said he made friends everywhere he went and he loved going to the Beach Hut in Hampton Bays, giving out $2 bills, and putting Boardy Barn smiley-face stickers on everything, especially when he traveled abroad. He also liked going to yard sales in his red MP Lafer.
A dedicated family man, survivors said his grandchildren will fondly remember his special talents that included blowing bubbles and talking like Donald Duck.
Mr. McLaughlin is survived by his wife, Judi; a daughter, Wendy and husband Larry of New York; a son, Michael and wife Jennifer of Hawaii; and three grandchildren, Isabel (11), Callum (4) and Rowan (8 months). He is also survived by a sister, Maureen Maslak; and brother, James McLaughlin; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
In accordance with the wishes of Mr. McLaughlin, who was known for his joie de vivre and instilled in his family the need to make every day count, there is no funeral planned. A celebration of life will take place this summer and his ashes scattered locally.
Memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice, www.eeh.org.
on Apr 20, 2016