OBITUARY: Richard H. McLaughlin, 78

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Richard H. McLaughlin, “Dick”, age 78, of Wilmington, passed away unexpectedly at home on February 15, 2025.

Dick was born in Peabody, MA, on July 22, 1946; he was the dear son of the late Frances (Farnsworth) and Charles McLaughlin. Dick was raised and educated in Salem, following graduation from High School Dick went on to train as an electrician.

In July of 1970, Dick, was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War; he was stationed at Fort Hood in Texas before being deployed overseas. Dick earned several commendations for his bravery including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Med w/1 Bronze Service Star, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Expert Rifle Medal, and a Bronze Star Medal. He was honorably discharged from active duty on July 27, 1973, and continued to serve with the Army Reserves until July of 1976.

Dick returned home and started his career as an electrician; he then took a position at the General Electric Company where he was employed as the Facilities Manager for over 30 years. Dick has an endearing personality and a great work ethic; he made life-long relationships with his co-workers as well as his clients, many of whom he considered extended family.

In his younger years, Dick enjoyed the outdoors; he loved to go fishing, hunting, and camping; he loved being outside and enjoying the beauty that nature had to offer. He also liked the era of the CB Radio and talking to all kinds of truckers or people out and about on the roads of America. In his later years he became quite a cook; he and his wife Elaine loved to entertain family and friends for cookouts, holidays, football Sundays, or just for dinner. Dick also took up golfing and loved “hitting the links” every chance he got.

Dick and Elaine enjoyed travelling throughout the United States and abroad where they could meet new people, experience new cultures, and broaden their horizons. They looked forward to spending time in Hilton Head where they loved to socialize, walk the beach, or hang out on the balcony. Hilton Head brought them a large extended group of friends that they enjoyed spending time with and had a lot of fun throughout the years.

Family was very important to Dick; he treasured the time he spent with his wife, his children, his in laws, nieces, nephews, and especially his grandchildren who he loved to spoil. Dick will be fondly remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his hearty laugh, his ability to make friends wherever he went, and his unconditional love of family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Dick is survived by his children, Raelene Beckwith and husband Scott of Keene, NH and Todd McLaughlin and wife Andrea of Reardan, WA, his grandchildren Emily, Isabel, Darby, Brooke, Sterling, and Skai. He was the brother-in-law of Claire McLaughlin of Danvers, MA, Frances McLaughlin of Peabody, MA, Paul Garofalo of Hampton, NH, and Beverly and John Rose of Wilmington, MA. Dick was predeceased by his wife Elaine and siblings Edward McLaughlin, Robert McLaughlin, and Carol Freeman and her late husband Donald. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Saturday, March 29th for Visitation from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. followed by a Service at 2:00 p.m. which will conclude with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dick’s memory to Home Base for Veterans, 125 Nashua St., Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114 or to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 133 Federal St., 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02110.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.