John J. McLaughlin, 88, of Latham, passed away suddenly on Saturday, December 13, 2025.

Born on May 17, 1942, in the Bronx, New York, John was the son of the late John B. and Christine (Mallon) McLaughlin. In the late 1940s,his Irish immigrant parents relocated the family to Purling/Cairo, where John attended Cairo Central Schools, formed lifelong friendships, and developed a deep and enduring love for the area. Summers were often spent returning to Cairo and Purling—places that always felt like home.

Growing up near Mountain Avenue and Shinglekill Falls, John created memories that later became cherished family traditions. Downstream at a ledge known as “Dead Man’s,” he introduced his children—and later his grandchildren—to the exhilarating jump into the cold, deep water below, followed by the climb back up. The annual ritual became a beloved highlight, one John himself continued until the age of 75. Time spent at the Glen was enjoyed by all.

In 1959, John entered the United States Navy, serving until1965, a period he often described as some of the best years of his life. Heloved sharing stories of his service at the Naval Post Office in Argentia,Newfoundland, playing softball in Norfolk, Virginia, and traveling the NorthSea aboard a destroyer tender that later joined the Cuban blockade during theBay of Pigs.

Following his honorable discharge, John headed to New YorkCity to “seek his fame and fortune.” His professional career included positionswith Beneficial Finance, J.C. Penney, and several insurance agencies, includingWausau Insurance Company. For more than 30 years, he served as ExecutiveDirector of the Associated Risk Managers of the Northeast, where colleaguesbecame close friends. In 2018, he was honored with the Robert E. WeaverMemorial Award in recognition of his dedicated service to ARM.

A committed community member, John coached Latham LittleLeague Baseball, where friendships were formed that lasted a lifetime.Alongside Fred and Deb Bonneville, Bob and Delia Pyskadlo, and Jerry and PatFrank, John and his wife Kathleen shared decades of travel and adventure,visiting Vermont, New York City, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Lake Placid, theOuter Banks, South Carolina, California, and Florida.

John was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of AssumptionChurch in Latham and a lifetime member of the Latham Knights of Columbus,Council 3394, where he served many years as Council President. His serviceincluded participation in Thanksgiving and Christmas food basket programs, thedart league, and golf outings to Atlantic City.

After years of coaching baseball, John discovered a passionfor golf and became a member of Shaker Ridge Country Club in 1987, a place thatsoon became a second home. He served on the Executive Board for many years andas Club President, during which time Shaker Ridge hosted the Skins Game tobenefit Ellis Hospital. John valued his interactions with golf legends such asArnold Palmer, John Daly, and Chi Chi Rodriguez, but most treasured time on thecourse with friends, family, and especially his grandsons, who affectionatelycalled him “Poppy.”

Another meaningful chapter of John’s life began through hiswork at J.C. Penney, where he met George Gent, a mentor who became family.Through George and the Giannattasio brothers of Philmont, New York, John becamepart of an extended family that gathered annually at a hunting camp nearHillsdale. Memorial Day weekends were devoted to cleanup and cookouts, whileColumbus Day weekends focused on preparing for hunting season. Theserelationships extended well beyond the camp, encompassing travel, celebrations,and shared milestones. In later years, opening hunting season in November wasspent playing cards and swapping stories with close friends and family.

John is survived by his beloved wife of nearly forty years,Kathleen (née Hickey) McLaughlin, with whom he shared a loving, respectful, anddeeply caring marriage. They recently celebrated their 40th weddinganniversary, joined by John’s in-laws, Terri and Mike Scollan and Michael andLaurie Hickey.

He is also survived by his loving children: Jill and DanMcKeon, Melissa Wronoski, Jason and Olie McLaughlin, Lisa Ilyadis, Michael andKristin Carris, and Lynne and Keith Wentworth. John was an engaged and devotedgrandfather to Jake and Rachel Wronoski, Emily and Matthieu Fagin, TommyWronoski, Michael Ilyadis, Tara Ilyadis, Jack and Reagan Carris, and Sean,Christopher, Lylah, and Brody Wentworth. He took great joy in hisgreat-grandchildren, Myles and John T. Wronoski and Elizabeth and Sophia Fagin.He is also survived by many cousins, including several in Ireland.

In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by hissister, Anne P. Rogers, his granddaughter Danielle Ilyadis, and his dear friendDon Blaha, who passed on December 6, 2025.

John believed deeply in living an honest, meaningful lifeand hoped to meet the end with dignity. In his final papers, he left a letterexpressing his wishes, closing with the words:

“I love you all and thanks for giving me a great life.”

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025,from 4-7 p.m. at The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old LoudonRoad, Latham, NY 12110.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110.

Memorial contributions may be made to WAIT House, Glens Falls or to a charity of one’s choice.

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