George T. McLaughlin

George T. ("Tom") McLaughlin, Jr., 85, of Colorado Springs passed away on July 10, 2025. Tom was born on May 23, 1940 in South Amboy, New Jersey to the late George T. and Beatrice E. McLaughlin of Metuchen, New Jersey. Following his graduation from Rider (College) University in June 1962, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and received his officer commission in the fall of that year. He was married on January 12, 1963 to Carol K. Ware.

Tom proudly served for twenty years in the USAF Services career field, including duties as a Squadron Commander (at Kunsan Air Base Korea, 1975 and F.E. Warren Air FOrce Base, Wyoming, 1979). His overseas assignments included the Republic of Viet Nam; NATO Headquarters, Izmir, Turkey; Kunsan, Korea; and Lajes Field, Azores. His military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medals (MSM with 3 OLC), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Award and the Humanitarian Service Medal. He assisted in directing disaster relief operations at Keesler AFB, MS following Hurricane Camille in 1969 and the 1980 earthquake in the Azores. Following his military retirement, he served in Federal Civil Service as Command Lodging Manager for Headquarters, Air Force Space Command until December 1995, receiving numerous Sustained Superior Service Awards.

Tom is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carol (Ware) McLaughlin, daughter Dawn (Paul) Cano, son John (Rosanna) McLaughlin, and three grandchildren: Brittany and Megan Cano, and Mason McLaughlin.

Friends may call on August 1, 2025 from 10am-11:30am at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Burial will be on August 1, 2025 at 12pm at Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.