Peter "Sweet Pete" McLaughlin

Peter “Sweet Pete” McLaughlin, 73 of Punta Gorda, FL, passed away on Monday, February 14, 2011. He was born on August 11, 1937 in Ogdensburg, NY, the son of James and Mary Caufield McLaughlin. He was a graduate of Heuvelton School. Pete was a retired veteran of the U.S. Army serving his country with pride. He worked for the State of New York retiring as the Supervisor of Grounds. Pete was a Life Member of B.P.O. Elks Lodge 2606, Punta Gorda where he was Volunteer of the Year and was bestowed the honor of Citizen of the Year. He was also a member of Moose Lodge 1693, and the American Legion 103 both of Punta Gorda, the AMVETS, V.F.W., and Knights of Columbus Council 258 of Ogdensburg. Pete enjoyed his summers in New York spending time at Black Lake with his family and friends. He was very proud of his Irish heritage always taking time to celebrate the good things life had to offer him.

Pete is survived by his children, Brad McLaughlin and Robin(Andy) Irvine; three grandchildren, Sarah McLaughlin, Zachary Herbick, Michael Herbick; two cousins with whom he was raised, Sally Palerno and Mickey Greco; two nephews, James McLaughlin and Steven McLaughlin. He was preceded in death by his wife, Michaleen McLaughlin in 1995, his brother Neal McLaughlin in 2009 and his very close cousin, Peggy Dolan.

A celebration of his life will be at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday alongside the beautiful Peace River by the Tiki at the Punta Gorda Elks Lodge No 2606, 25538 Shore Dr., Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com to share in his life story and to leave online thoughts and memories for his family. Additional services will be held at Frary Funeral Home, with burial at Notre Dame Cemetery in Ogdensburg. Pete always loved to have a good time and made friends where ever he visited. If you were lucky enough to have known Pete, count your blessings and continue to honor him by enjoying life to the fullest. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home, Cape Coral.

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields and,

Until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.