- Date Of Birth: February 6, 1940
- Date Of Death: April 4, 2019
- State: Colorado
Thomas McLaughlin, 79, of Lafayette, CO entered peacefully into eternal life on Thursday,
April 4, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Medical Center in Lafayette, surrounded by his loving
family.
Tom was born on February 6, 1940 to James and Margaret (Colgan) McLaughlin in Macomb, IL.
Tom is survived by his daughter Katie (Tim) Weinstein of Erie, CO and his sons Eric Losch of
Peoria, IL and Patrick Tate of Decatur, IL. He was a proud grandfather to Chazery Leyva
(Ozzie), Hayden Losch, and Michael Weinstein and the most sincerest brother to William
McLaughlin (Shirley) of San Ramon, CA, Suzanne Cain (Richard) of Peoria, IL, Jean Reed of
Bloomington, IL, Margaret Sanzotta of Bloomington, IL, Patrick Mclaughlin (Glenda) of Peoria,
IL and Catherine Gillette (Daniel) of Chillicothe, IL. Tom is also survived by his special friend
Eleanor Rajotte and a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother
James McLaughlin, brother-in-law’s Joseph Reed and Vince Sanzotta.
Tom was in the class of 1958 at Spalding Institute in Peoria, IL. He enjoyed attending all of his
class reunions. Tom proudly served in the Marine Corp. He worked as an Education Recruiter
for technical schools, but fondly reminisced about his time in restaurant management and
bartending in the San Francisco Bay Area as well as his hometown in his earlier years. He was a
attended Immaculate Conception in Lafayette, CO.
Tom brought such joy, compassion, and faith to this world. He was very proud of his Irish
heritage and instilled that pride into his children and grandchildren. He made two family trips to
Ireland in recent years. He never met a stranger because his greatest gift to everyone was love.
He enjoyed all sports, but was a diehard Oakland Raiders fan. He truly appreciated history, long
the world to those closest to him. He captivated the room through his charm, stories, and most of
all humor. The world was a better place with him in it and our hearts are forever broken. Tom
will be greatly missed.
Tom requested that cremation rites be accorded. To honor Tom’s wishes and in remembrance,
the family will hold a special ceremony in Lafayette, CO on Sunday, April 7th, with a dedication
Tom’s name to the American Heart Association or Toys for Tots.
