10/13/1953 – 10/25/2023
Michael J McLaughlin, 70, husband of Merilyn D (Oldham-Davis) McLaughlin, of Gilbertsville, passed away peacefully at home on October 25, 2023. Born on October 13,1953 in Coaldale, PA, he was the only son of the late Jean A (Swank) and Joseph S McLaughlin.
As a child, the family relocated to the Pottstown area, where he attended and graduated from the Pottstown High School in 1971. While in school, he studied the trades of toolmaker and machinist; all while being active in the stage crew and playing football.
Growing up, Michael enjoyed playing ice hockey and was one of the original hockey player’s for the “Little Flyers”, a youth ice hockey team organized by the NHL Philadelphia Flyers to promote hockey in the area.
Michael had a love of cars. He was a member of the American Dream Corvette Club and the ARDC Racing Club. He and Merilyn also rode motorcycles; his had to be a Harley Davidson, of course. If you were to ask him, any nice day was a day to ride whether it was “around the block”, to grab a bite to eat or attend local motorcycle meets. One year, they even rode to the beach to take part in the OCMD Bike Week with the kids and also Gettysburg, PA Bike Week.
It was his love of race cars…”sprint cars” to be exact, that made him a driver as well; he drove a type of sprint car called a “midget”. His was #25. He enjoyed attending local races and would mostly spend his time in the pits offering help to other drivers’ and their cars. Through helping other drivers, he befriended, Jeff Taylor (#17T) and became his “crew chief” for many years. They would spend many weekends traveling up and down the East Coast attending the “big money” races. In doing so, they won the Florida Winter Nationals with a “clean sweep”.
Michael worked in the lumber yard at the Boyertown Casket Company, prior to going into the trades to become a CNC Machinist at Neapco Inc. before switching to US. Axle Company Inc. in Pottstown , PA where he worked for 40+ years. Over the years, he worked all 3 shifts, wherever he was needed.
Later in life, he took great joy in giving advice to his son, while he coached a local hockey team, watching his grandson play hockey and being able to ice skate with his great grandchildren. He also lent a helping hand to his son and grandson, who now has his own race car, giving advice and turning a wrench or two when he could. He enjoyed attending car shows with his wife, Merilyn, and was always on the lookout for a ‘1932 Ford 5-Window Coupe’, as that was his dream car.
He also enjoyed spending time with his family whether it was getting together for celebrations or breakfast, lending a helping hand where needed or just relaxing with Michelle’s dogs Asia, Echo, & Ivee.
In addition to his loving wife of 46 years, Michael is survived by his daughter Michelle M (McLaughlin) Stout (companion of Deron Bauer) and 3 step-children Crystalyn (Davis), wife of William Norris; Daryl Davis, husband of Dawn, & Duane Davis, companion of Amarilis Molina; in addition to 5 grandchildren: Stefanie (Davis) Kniezewski (wife of Thomas), Jessica (Norris) Pham (wife of Van), Kyle Norris (husband of Meganlyn), Shane Davis (companion of Nikki Valenti), and Madison (Davis) Trowbridge (wife of Randall); along with 7 great grandchildren: Michael & David Kniezewski, Chloe & Evelyn Pham, Thomas, Josephine & Scarlett Davis; along with his maternal cousins: Linda Semko and David Swank and many paternal cousins. Michael is predeceased by his parents, Jean A (2020) and Joseph S (1991) McLaughlin.
A funeral service will be held 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at the Linwood W. Ott Funeral Home. 111 North Reading Ave, Boyertown, PA 19512. A viewing will be held at the funeral home prior from 1-2 pm. A private interment will occur at the Limerick Garden of Memories at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to a charity of your choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LWOttFuneralHome.com for the McLaughlin family.
