John J. McLaughlin

June 22, 1932 ~ February 14, 2016
John J. McLaughlin, 83, of Danvers, died Sunday, February 14, 2016. He was the loving husband of Marie (O’Brien) McLaughlin.
Born in Lynn on June 22, 1932, he was the son of the late John and Margaret (Daley) McLaughlin. He was raised and educated in Lynn and was a graduate of Saint Mary’s High School. A proud double Eagle, John graduated from Boston College with his bachelor’s degree in 1954 and his master’s degree in 1960.
John began his lifelong career in social work with the Division of Child Guardianship. He was then the Director of Catholic Charities in Lawrence until working as a school social worker for more than twenty years in Wakefield and Danvers. He also maintained a private counseling practice.
John was a communicant of Saint Mary of the Annunciation Church and a life member of the Jubilee Yacht Club.
In addition to his wife, he leaves three daughters, Maureen McLaughlin of Amherst, NY, Kathleen Phinney of Woburn, and Karen Tassinari and her husband Joseph of Beverly, his four granddaughters, Jennifer and Kelly Phinney and Colby and Laken Tassinari, and a brother, Paul McLaughlin in Virginia. He also leaves two brothers-in-law, Paul O'Brien of Danvers and James O'Brien of Florida, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, James McLaughlin.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, February 19, 2016 at 9AM in Saint Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant St., Danvers. Burial will follow in Saint Mary Cemetery, Sylvan St., Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Thursday from 4-7PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 24 Conant St., Danvers, MA 01923.
Rest in peace Uncle Jack, may the perpetual light shine upon you.
Marie and family very sorry to hear of your loss. Sending prayers and thoughts from North Carolina. Ellen Webster
There was not a day that goes by that I do not use something that I learned from John over our working time together at Wakefield High School. Today there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t refer to his influence on my life since. He was the most understanding and generous person I have had the great good fortune to have in my professional. He was the YODA of his day. His empathy and ability to influence attitudes and changing behavior were without equal. His influence continues in the life of everyone., he lives on smiling!
Joe Sullivan
John’s office was across the hall from mine at Wakefield High School. He was such a kind ,understanding individual whom his students must have loved. I always liked him and send you my thoughts and prayers. Judy Moynihan
“I was so fortunate to have John as my mentor and role model at Wakefield High School. He shaped my educational career. He was a true professional who greatly influenced the lives of all he came in contact with. The Wakefield educational community benefited so much by his presence and involvement. I am proud to have worked with John.
Terry Fuller”
We at Wakefield High School were so fortunate to have John’s wisdom and guidance. His calm and reassuring manner was wonderful for the students but also for the staff. I valued his professionalism and sincere goodness. Fair winds and following seas, John.
Anne Patriquin