Harry J. Mclaughlin

York—Harry J. McLaughlin, 85, died Friday, February 9, 2007 at York Hospital. He was the husband of Mary Jane (Senft) McLaughlin, to whom he was married for 63 years. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m., Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd, York, with his pastor, the Rev. Richard W. Barley and Rev. Luther G. Heist - pastor Emeritus. Viewings will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, and from 9 to 10 a.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home. Burial will be held in St. Jacob's Union Cemetery, with full military honors provided by the York County Veterans Honor Guard. Mr. McLaughlin was born February 4, 1922 in York, the son of late Helen (Lehman) McLaughlin. In 1937 he began his career in journalism at William Penn High School, as a member of the high school's paper. After graduating from William Penn High School in 19M40, he worked for the York Gazette and Daily for a brief time. He then enlisted in the United States Army, writing for a military newspaper, The Stars and Stripes and traveled with the 94th Infantry Division during World War II. Upon being honorably discharged from the Army, he returned to York and worked at the York bureau of the Harrisburg Patriot, for 37 years, where he served as Editor for several years and retired in 1987. He capped his 70 year career as The York Dispatch's "Around Town" columnist. He bettered the community with dedicated activism through projects such as, York City and County Baseball for Boys, the girl's softball and basketball leagues, York County basketball foul shooting tournament and the York County Novice wrestling tournament. Recently he was awarded by the state House of Representatives with a citation honoring his commitment to community and work, which was presented to him by State Rep. Bev Mackereth. He served as the first board chairman of the York County Department of Parks and Recreation. In 1989 he was nominated to the York County Area Sports Hall of Fame, for pioneering many youth sports programs. Collecting memorabilia of presidents, sports stars and celebrities was a passion for Mr. McLaughlin and over several years he assembled a very impressive collection. In addition to his wife, Mr. McLaughlin is also survived by one son, Douglas K McLaughlin, of York, one daughter, Donna M. Bieda of York, five grandchildren, Kelly Butzler, Alycia Meile, Michael Bieda, Marlena Heiland and Erica Myers, twelve great-grandchildren, Briana, Grace, Camden and Lauryl Meile, Taylar and Lillie Myers, Jacob, Emma Jane, Alex and Katharine Butzler and Caroline and Benjamin Bieda, one sister, Catharine L. Rasmus of York and two nieces and two nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jacob's United Church of Christ, Building Fund, 100 E. George St., York New Salem, Pa 17371