Gerald P. “Gerry” McLaughlin, 85, of East Hartford, loving husband of 65 years of Barbara (Cleary) McLaughlin, passed away peacefully with his family by his side July 23, 2018, at Manchester Memorial Hospital. He was born in Rutland, VT, son of the late Henry J. and Nora (Fitzgerald) McLaughlin. He served 4 years in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Murray. He then was employed at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft and International Fuel Cells for 42 years. He took great pride in knowing he built fuel cells for the space program, including the Apollo missions.
Gerry was a proud and kind man who stayed dedicated to his faith and family throughout his life. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family at the home in East Hartford and the cottage on Bolton Lake.
Besides his beloved wife Barbara, he is survived by his son, Patrick McLaughlin and his wife Pauline, daughter Joan McLaughlin, special sister-in-law Dorothy (Cleary) Johnson, daughter-in-law Carol McLaughlin, 2 cherished granddaughters, Patience Jacques and her husband Steve and Shannan McLaughlin and her wife Gina Pagano, great grandsons Kavan and Marcel Jacques, siblings James McLaughlin and his wife Patricia, Claire Bellmore, Helen Anderson, Maurice McLaughlin, brother-in-law John Cleary, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son Michael McLaughlin, brother Henry McLaughlin, sisters Kathleen Commins, Ann Miller and Sheila Carroll.
Calling hours will be held prior to the funeral service from 9am-10:30am on Friday, July 27, 2018 at the Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford, CT, followed immediately by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am in St. Isaac Jogues Church, 1 Community St., East Hartford. Burial with Military Honors will conclude services in Silver Lane Cemetery.
To leave an online condolence, please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com
