David "Mac" McLaughlin

Mac was born on August 1, 1957 in Berea, Ohio to Bernard and Charlotte McLaughlin. He grew up with his two brothers, Michael “Mitch” and Daniel “Bud” (Sandra) and his sister Anne. Their shenanigans ensured that the streets of Berea were never the same again.

He is survived by his loving wife Theresa (Barr) McLaughlin of Surprise, Arizona, whom he met in elementary school at St. Mary’s in Berea. David grew up along side Theresa’s family, Carla Barr Sullivan (Daniel), whose family has been incredibly supportive during this time.

He was a proud member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at Bowling Green State University, where he graduated with a Criminal Justice degree in 1979. This is also where he met the loving mother of his children, Linda Nissley.

He spent his early adulthood in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he was an enthusiastic table games dealer at the MGM Grand.

Mac then returned to the east coast to start his career as a Private Investigator and to establish his own company, Independent Research Group in Pennsylvania.

Cleveland became home again as David expanded his company and his family.

He is survived by those three beloved children and their spouses: Courtney and Dylan Haight of Kauai Hawaii, Kellen and Kristina McLaughlin of Hudson Ohio, and Katie and Nick Valitutto of Waddell, Arizona.

He treasured every aspect of being a parent: being a chauffeur, coaching sports teams, amusement park visits, Drive-In movies, kitchen table Black Jack and road trip vacations. He loved being a dad.

David was also proud Uncle Mac to: Angie (Ridder) and Michael McLaughlin, and Stephanie and Tony Smith.

He transitioned to desert living in Surprise, Arizona in 2009. He began his second career in Security, working for Banner Health. He had deep pride in the teams that he led across various hospitals. He loved many aspects of his Arizona life: visiting Jerome and Sedona, volunteering at the White Tanks Regional Park, saguaro cactus, the sunshine and the (dry) heat.

David recently became a grandfather (Logan McLaughlin) and was awaiting the birth of his second grandchild in April, 2025. Becoming Papa brought him the most joy of all. He never knew that they were who he was waiting for all his life.

Those that knew Mac will remember him for his booming voice, having a smile for everyone, his love for all animals, lending a supportive shoulder to cry on, his piercing whistle, and most of all, the love he had for his family.

We welcome friends and family to join us for a visitation on Friday, November 1, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Surprise Funeral Care, 16063 W. Bell Rd, Surprise, AZ 85374. Followed by a Celebration of Life 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

A Celebration of Life will also be held in Cleveland, Ohio in June of 2025, beginning with mass at St. Mary’s church in Berea, with a gathering to follow. Details will become available once solidified.

In memory of David, please consider donating to K9 Konnection Dog Rescue in Wickenburg, Arizona, where he adopted his companion, Abbey https://www.k9konnectionrescue.org/