John McLaughlin Obituary

9/17/1940 - 11/30/2024
Born September 17, 1940 in Philadelphia, PA, John ("Jack") was the son of John McLaughlin and Anne (Mullen) McLaughlin. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Margaret (Crane), and his brothers James, Michael, and Joseph. He is survived by his two sons, Brian (Jennifer) of Fairfield, CT, and Matthew (Leslie) of Crofton, MD, as well as his four grandchildren, Aidan, Molly, Grace, and Katie.

A member of Transfiguration parish in Philadelphia, John attended West Catholic High School where he graduated In 1958, and entered the DeLasalle Christian Brothers (FSC) at their Ammendale, MD campus. John earned a B.A. from LaSalle University and taught science and math at St. John's College High School in Washington, DC. He left the Brothers at the age of 29 but always credited them with deepening his faith and providing structure, discipline, and life-long friends.

John received his Ph.D. in psychology in 1974. He practiced as a clinician for 45 years. He was recognized for his leadership as President of the Maryland Psychological Association and gubernatorial appointment to the Board of Examiners of Psychologists. In the 1990s John was responsible for advancing the successful legislation expanding the scope of practice for psychologists in Maryland to include hospital privileges. He served as an adjunct professor in the Pastoral Counseling department of Loyola University for 23 years. John maintained his practice well into his 80s and helped hundreds of clients and students during his long career.

Though he was a quiet man, John made friends wherever he went. He loved the Delaware beaches, wristwatches, pottery, jazz music, his dearly departed terrier, Siggy, and a "good stiff drink."

Most of all, John was a family man. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he was gracious, generous, and wise. His impact on his sons and their families was profound, and he is deeply missed.

Relatives and friends may visit at the St. Mary of the Mills Catholic Church, 114 St. Mary's Place, Laurel, MD 20707 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11 a.m. Interment following at the St. Mary of the Mills cemetery.