Ronald James McLaughlin

Ronald James McLaughlin, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully in Altamonte Springs, Florida with his family by his side. Fitting for a man proud of his Irish roots, he passed on St. Patrick’s Day, a day his family will honor each year in his memory.

Ron was born on December 6, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, to Charles Hugh McLaughlin and Audrey Elizabeth Foley. Born into a large Irish Catholic family, he was the second oldest of five boys: Chuck (deceased), Doug (deceased), Kenny and Keith. In 1968, Ron met his future wife, Linda Gail McLaughlin (née Calkins), while attending Southfield High School. They sat across from each other at Ron’s senior prom, with each of them attending with other dates. A year later they were engaged, beginning a 54-year marriage blessed with their three children.

In 1968, Ron enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served as a Pararescue Jumper (PJ) until 1974. His service reflected his courage, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to helping others, qualities that defined him throughout his life. After his military service, Ron owned and operated a commercial truck mechanic and repair business in Michigan. As a talented automotive professional and enthusiast, he helped build the 1983 Indy Pace Car and later served as a flagger for IMSA races in the late 1980s and 1990s.

In 1986, Ron and Linda moved their family to Port Charlotte, Florida. There, Ron’s entrepreneurial spirit continued when he owned and managed an ice cream parlor in Fisherman’s Village in Punta Gorda, where he was well-known for crafting dozens of flavors of ice cream, sometimes staying up until 3 a.m. to perfect the recipes. In 1988, the family moved to Longwood, Florida, where Ron managed insurance and automotive businesses. He later founded specialty pool and outdoor living space companies and for the next two decades he dedicated himself to transforming backyards into dream spaces before retiring two years ago. In retirement, Ron pursued his passion for automobiles, collecting and restoring vintage Bentleys and Rolls-Royces.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Linda McLaughlin and their daughter Michelle Koch and her husband Scott Koch of Lake Mary, Florida, and their two children Grace and Aidan Joseph (AJ); his daughter Kimberly Konkel and husband Richard Konkel of Dallas, Texas, and their son Evan; his son Brent McLaughlin and his wife Dori McLaughlin of Longwood, Florida, and their son Nolan and her children, Brennan, Peyton, and Morgan.

Ron will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him, especially his family.