Obituary of Michael Paul McLaughlin

Michael Paul McLaughlin, of Duxbury passed away peacefully, among family and close friends on Tuesday September 4th at home.  His generous, gentle, fun spirit will be greatly missed.  One of eight brothers and sisters, Michael was born in Boston in 1943 to John and Bertha McLaughlin, and grew up in West Roxbury, attending St Theresa’s and Boston Latin School where he created strong friendships that lasted a lifetime.  Michael graduated from Providence College and enlisted in the Navy, serving onboard the USS Truxtun, shortly after graduation.   

Michael and his family moved to Duxbury in 1973.  He worked for many years in sales for Nixdorf Computer, traveling from Duxbury to Waltham and Burlington every day.  Later in life, he worked for Peoplecert, opening the US business. He enjoyed traveling for both business and pleasure, especially spending time in Inishowen Co. Donegal, Ireland, the place of his roots.  He loved taking on the challenges of Ballyliffin Golf Club and spending time with family.  

Faith was an important part of Michael’s journey.  He was an active member of Holy Family Parish in Duxbury, where he had been part of the Parish Council, the Building Committee, RCIA, My Brother’s Keeper, the Retreat Program, and as a Lector. 

Michael was also a Trustee of the Duxbury Beach Reservation, focused on ensuring the legacy and longterm enjoyment of Duxbury Beach for the future.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Theresa of Duxbury, daughter Sara Ann Flaherty and her spouse Michael of Norton MA, loving grandfather to Maggie and Elizabeth, son Justin McLaughlin of London, U.K., his sister Louise Landen of Westborough MA, brothers Gene of Charleston, SC, James McLaughlin of Scarborough, ME and Tommy McLaughlin of Harwich, MA. He was predeceased by his brothers Jack and Gerald and sister Mary. 

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, September 9th from 3-7:00 PM at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 216 Main St (Rt. 106) Kingston. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, September 10th at 10:00 AM at Holy Family Church in Duxbury. Graveside services will follow at the Mayflower Cemetery in Duxbury.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Friends of Letterkenny Hospital, or Duxbury Beach Reservation.