Thomas J. Mclaughlin

AVOCA-Thomas J. McLaughlin, 80, formerly of Pittston and Berwick, passed away Sunday in the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Plains Township. Born in Duryea on May 18, 1931, he was a son of the late William and Anna (Burns) McLaughlin. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, having served stateside as an Aircraft Structural Mechanic 2nd Class during the Korean War. Thomas was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Berwick. He was also a member of the American Legion, a life member of the Ranger Hose Company, Berwick and an auxiliary member of the Berwick Police Department. He enjoyed reading and military history, especially the Civil War, World War II and the Korean War. He also enjoyed anything to do with aviation. Thomas worked as a foreman at the Consolidated Cigar Corporation, Berwick, for over 30 years. He also worked at Sacco’s Beer Distributor, Berwick, and at Walmart in Pittston Township. He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Dolores V. Halagarda, who passed away April 6, 2005; and brothers, William and Eugene. Surviving are his daughter, Nancy A. Heckler and her husband, Thomas, New Smyrna Beach, Florida; sons Thomas McLaughlin and his wife, Patricia, Lebanon; Ronald McLaughlin and his wife Brenda, Bartonsville; 5 grand children; 4 great-grandchildren; brothers, Martin Clarke McLaughlin, Avoca; Gerard McLaughlin, Levittown; James McLaughlin, Florida; sister Ell Ann “Susie” Reh, Somerville, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, 1730 Fowler Ave., Berwick with the Reverend Francis J. Tamburro V.F. officiating. Interment will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery at 16th and Walnut St Berwick . Following the interment, a reception/luncheon will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Red Cross, the USO, or the Salvation Army. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kniffen O’Malley Funeral Home, Inc., 728 Main Street, Avoca.