Charles "Chuck" Edward McLaughlin

Charles “Chuck” Edward McLaughlin Jr., 75, of Lighthouse Point, Florida, passed away on August 9, 2023, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Chuck was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

Born March 4, 1948, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Charles and Ann McLaughlin. In 1966, Chuck enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and proudly served his country as a Lance Corporal Combat Marine in the Vietnam War from 1966-1968. While there, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the USMC Meritorious Mast.

After returning from the war, Chuck enrolled at Clarion State College where he received his Bachelor and Master Degrees in Education.

In 1973, he married “a beautiful girl with a warming smile,” Jane Garneau from Clarion, Pennsylvania. Chuck and Jane were happily married for 50 years and built an amazing life together.

Chuck started his career as Special Education teacher in New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, before moving to Florida in 1976 to teach and coach at Pine Crest school. He served as Assistant Principal his remaining years there. He then entered the food brokerage business and in 1982, he started his own brokerage - Charles E. McLaughlin Company. He ran the successful food brokerage which grew to cover statewide territories for 18 years. Most recently Chuck is known as the one and only “Bonefish Mac.” He and wife Jane opened their first Bonefish Mac’s Sports Grille in Lighthouse Point, Florida in 2004. Since then, three more locations have been opened in Port St. Lucie, Wellington, and Coral Springs. Chuck is the familiar face of the successful company and has been loved and respected by hundreds of employees and thousands of guests throughout the years.

Chuck was involved in many philanthropic organizations as an active member and prolific fundraiser, including the Pompano Beach Exchange Club and the Sterling McClellan American Legion Post 142. However, his love for his country and fellow veterans led him to spend much of his time and efforts volunteering with the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 133. He was also an active member of the community as a coach, team sponsor, and ardent supporter of the Lighthouse Point Police and Fire/EMS departments. The love of all these “heroes”, as he called them, led him to tirelessly make his dream of a local memorial to all hometown veterans and first responders a reality. The beautiful Lighthouse Point Heroes Memorial Shrine was built and dedicated on May 26, 2018.

Chuck’s most prized possession was his family and many friends. He was truly one of a kind and will never be forgotten by anyone whose life he touched.

Survivors include his wife, Jane, three children – Megan Lumley (Sean) of Raleigh, NC, Charles John (CJ) of Deerfield Beach, FL and Kayley Lanois (Allen) of Alpharetta, GA. Five treasured granddaughters, Kiera and Riley Lumley, Finley McLaughlin and Savannah and Avery Lanois, and many beloved in-laws and nieces and nephews. He is survived by one brother, Frank McLaughlin (Sandie) of McKeesport, PA. He is preceded in death by 2 brothers, Patrick and Kevin, and one sister, Charlene, by his mother Ann and father Charles, and his father and mother in law, John and Lois Garneau.

Chuck is a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Lighthouse Point where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 15th at 12:30pm. The visitation will be held Monday, August 14th 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Kraeer Funeral Home at Forest Lawn North.

Preceding mass on Tuesday, August 15th at 12:00 pm, there will be a short service at the Lighthouse Point Heroes Memorial Shrine.

Chuck was a very proud Marine and American.

Patriotic or Red, White and Blue attire to celebrate his life is welcomed.

Burial with Military Honors is at the National Veterans Cemetery in Lake Worth.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled Americans Veterans Chapter 133.

Make checks payable to DAV Chapter 133

171 SW 2nd St | Pompano Bch, FL 33060

or Zelle to [email protected]

God Bless Our Troops.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kraeerpompanobeach.com for the McLaughlin family.