Peter James McLaughlin

Peter James McLaughlin, of Branford, CT and formerly of Madison, passed away on Saturday (November 9, 2013) at Yale New Haven Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Peter was born on May 1, 1943 in New Haven, CT and grew up in Hamden, CT. He was the son of Thomas and Mary McLaughlin. He graduated from Hamden High School in 1962 and upon graduation enlisted in the United States Navy where he served in Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Following his discharge from the service he returned to CT and enrolled in the University of New Haven. After graduation he began work in the insurance industry and in 1980 he started his own insurance practice, McLaughlin Associates, which he ran for the next thirty-three years.

In his life he wore many hats outside of his signature Irish cap. He was a successful businessman but more importantly a loving father, grandfather, friend, mentor, and confidant who carried the respect and admiration of the community and of all he touched.

Giving back was a large part of Peter's life and his charitable pursuits included serving: as a coordinator for the Connecticut branch of Project Children, as a board member of the Town of Madison Zoning Board of Appeals, as a counsel member of St. Margaret's Church Council, as a long-standing member of the Madison Rotary Club; as a contributor to the Madison Academy of Music; and as a dedicated volunteer of Hospice.

In addition, he was a football official for over 45 years officiating on both a high school and collegiate level and off the field he served as a member of the New Haven Board of Directors for Football Officials. As a devoted father, he also took an active role in his children's interests following them to ball games and serving as a volunteer and coach for Madison Little League, Youth Basketball, and Youth Football.

In his free time, he was an avid golfer, an amateur pianist, and a professional jokester.

He is survived by his four children: Tamara McLaughlin-Mitchell of Bristol, CT, Thomas ("Todd") McLaughlin of Essex, CT, Courtney McLaughlin of Philadelphia, PA, Justin McLaughlin of San Diego, CA; his two grandchildren: Alaina and Ella King; his two sisters: Mary-Ellen Smith and Justine Landa; and his four brothers: Thomas McLaughlin, Joseph McLaughlin, William McLaughlin, and Paul McLaughlin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 9:30am in St. Mary's Church, 731 Main Street, Branford, CT. Calling hours will be on Friday, November 15, 2013 from 5-8pm at Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT. Sign the online guest book at www.swanfuneralhomemadison.com.