Capt. Steve Marc McLaughlin

Aug. 8, 1950 – June 25th, 2013

Steven Marc McLaughlin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother—passed away on June 25th, 2013 at his residence in Clearwater Beach, Florida. He was 62 years old. Mr. McLaughlin was born Aug. 8, 1950 at the US Naval Hospital in Quantico, VA. He was the son of the late Maj. Frederick Calvin McLaughlin USMC retired, and Rosemary Rogers McLaughlin. Mr. McLaughlin was predeceased by his brother James Frederick.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen of the home, his mother, Rosemary, of Charlotte NC, sons Brian Frederick (Lori) of South Daytona FL, Christopher Paul (Jessica) of Dunedin FL, and Megan Ruth (Juan Mullerat) of Miami FL. He also leaves behind four grandchildren Kaitlyn Susan, Tristan Calvin, Margarita Virginia, and Kirstyn Anne, his twin brother David Calvin of Bozeman MT, brothers Michael Allan of Vero Beach FL, Robert Thomas of Charlotte NC, and a beloved sister in law, Anita McAdam of Charlotte NC, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

One of his great joys was his sailboat, appropriately named “Kindred Spirit”. Whether it was sailing in the gulf or performing maintenance, there was no past time that meant as much to him as being on or around his boat. The first nine years of Mr. McLaughlin’s life were spent following his father’s career as a Marine officer, eventually settling in Charlotte NC in 1959.

Mr. McLaughlin graduated from Myers Park HS, Class of 1968 in Charlotte, NC. While at Myers Park, Mr. McLaughlin was a runner up diver competing in the North Carolina state championships. Upon graduating high school, Mr. McLaughlin received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, Class of ’72. While attending the Academy, he competed as a varsity diver on the Academy Swim Team, coached by 1968 Olympic Gold Medalist Bernie Wrightson. During his senior year, Mr. McLaughlin also competed on the USNA Sailing team.

Mr. McLaughlin chose to enter the Marine Corps as a Second Lieutenant, after graduating from Annapolis. During his time at the Academy, Steven met and courted his future wife, Kathleen. They were married at St. Patrick’s Church of Edina MN on December 30, 1972.

After completion of The Basic School at Quantico, VA, Steve was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp LeJeune, where he served as a platoon commander with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines. He was later assigned as Aide de Camp to two Commanding Generals of the Marine Corps Base at Camp Lejeune. Steve was assigned to serve in Okinawa, Japan. Upon returning to the States, Captain McLaughlin attended the Amphibious Warfare School in Quantico, VA. He was then assigned to Headquarters Company at Quantico, VA.

In 1980 he chose to return to civilian life. Upon entering civilian life Mr. McLaughlin turned his attention to the construction industry. He began by selling heavy construction equipment, working many years with Ditch Witch, Inc. eventually learning a new technology, underground directional boring.

This knowledge led him to begin his own company, MacDriller, Inc., where he became known as a leader in the industry of sub aqueous directional boring. He was very involved with the Florida Utilities Coordinating Committee. Mr. McLaughlin was proud of his affiliations with the Naval Academy and the Marine Corps.

Each December he and Kathleen traveled to the Army-Navy Game, where they would meet fellow USNA classmates. As a result, Cost of Freedom, Inc. was created. Cost of Freedom, Inc. is an organization that provides injured warriors and their families the experience of an Army Navy Game weekend full of emotional support and understanding. Many life long relationships have been created at these Cost of Freedom weekends.

Mr. McLaughlin was diagnosed with a rare cancer, GIST, in March 2011. Following his diagnosis, he lived a life full of friends, family, and sailing. Numerous friends and family members came to say good-bye during his last weeks. Steve said the past month was the happiest time of his life.

He will be missed greatly by his family and friends. A Mass in celebration of Steve’s life will be held Friday, July 12, 2013 at 10 a.m. at Calvary Episcopal Church in Indian Rocks Beach, FL. Interment with military honors will follow at Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg, FL at 1:30 p.m.

Family and friends are invited to a reception at the church, immediately following the funeral Mass. Arrangements are in the care of Moss Feaster Funeral Home in Largo FL (727) 562-2080. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Marine Semper Fi Fund. Contributions can be made in his memory to: http:www.costoffreedominc.com.

Please visit www.mossfeasterlargo.com for photos and condolences.