LATHAM — John J. McLaughlin, 83, of Latham, passed away suddenly on Saturday, December 13, 2025.

Born on May 17, 1942, in the Bronx, New York, John was the son of the late John B. and Christine (Mallon) McLaughlin. In the late 1940s, his Irish immigrant parents relocated the family to Purling/Cairo, where John attended Cairo Central Schools, formed lifelong friendships, and developed a deep and enduring love for the area. Summers were often spent returning to Cairo and Purling—places that always felt like home.

Growing up near Mountain Avenue and Shinglekill Falls, John created memories that later became cherished family traditions. Downstream at a ledge known as "Dead Man's," he introduced his children—and later his grandchildren—to the exhilarating jump into the cold, deep water below, followed by the climb back up. The annual ritual became a beloved highlight, one John himself continued until the age of 75. Time spent at the Glen was enjoyed by all.

In 1959, John entered the United States Navy, serving until 1965, a period he often described as some of the best years of his life. He loved sharing stories of his service at the Naval Post Office in Argentia, Newfoundland, playing softball in Norfolk, Virginia, and traveling the North Sea aboard a destroyer tender that later joined the Cuban blockade during the Bay of Pigs.

Following his honorable discharge, John headed to New York City to "seek his fame and fortune." His professional career included positions with Beneficial Finance, J.C. Penney, and several insurance agencies, including Wausau Insurance Company. For more than 30 years, he served as Executive Director of the Associated Risk Managers of the Northeast, where colleagues became close friends. In 2018, he was honored with the Robert E. Weaver Memorial Award in recognition of his dedicated service to ARM.

A committed community member, John coached Latham Little League Baseball, where friendships were formed that lasted a lifetime. Alongside Fred and Deb Bonneville, Bob and Delia Pyskadlo, and Jerry and Pat Frank, John and his wife Kathleen shared decades of travel and adventure, visiting Vermont, New York City, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Lake Placid, the Outer Banks, South Carolina, California, and Florida.

John was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Assumption Church in Latham and a lifetime member of the Latham Knights of Columbus, Council 3394, where he served many years as Council President. His service included participation in Thanksgiving and Christmas food basket programs, the dart league, and golf outings to Atlantic City.

After years of coaching baseball, John discovered a passion for golf and became a member of Shaker Ridge Country Club in 1987, a place that soon became a second home. He served on the Executive Board for many years and as Club President, during which time Shaker Ridge hosted the Skins Game to benefit Ellis Hospital. John valued his interactions with golf legends such as Arnold Palmer, John Daly, and Chi Chi Rodriguez, but most treasured time on the course with friends, family, and especially his grandsons, who affectionately called him "Poppy."

Another meaningful chapter of John's life began through his work at J.C. Penney, where he met George Gent, a mentor who became family. Through George and the Giannattasio brothers of Philmont, New York, John became part of an extended family that gathered annually at a hunting camp near Hillsdale. Memorial Day weekends were devoted to cleanup and cookouts, while Columbus Day weekends focused on preparing for hunting season. These relationships extended well beyond the camp, encompassing travel, celebrations, and shared milestones. In later years, opening hunting season in November was spent playing cards and swapping stories with close friends and family.

John is survived by his beloved wife of nearly forty years, Kathleen (née Hickey) McLaughlin, with whom he shared a loving, respectful, and deeply caring marriage. They recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, joined by John's in-laws, Terri and Mike Scollan and Michael and Laurie Hickey.

He is also survived by his loving children: Jill and Dan McKeon, Melissa Wronoski, Jason and Olie McLaughlin, Lisa Ilyadis, Michael and Kristin Carris, and Lynne and Keith Wentworth. John was an engaged and devoted grandfather to Jake and Rachel Wronoski, Emily and Matthieu Fagin, Tommy Wronoski, Michael Ilyadis, Tara Ilyadis, Jack and Reagan Carris, and Sean, Christopher, Lylah, and Brody Wentworth. He took great joy in his great-grandchildren, Myles and John T. Wronoski and Elizabeth and Sophia Fagin. He is also survived by many cousins, including several in Ireland.

In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his sister, Anne P. Rogers, his granddaughter Danielle Ilyadis, and his dear friend Don Blaha, who passed on December 6, 2025.

John believed deeply in living an honest, meaningful life and hoped to meet the end with dignity. In his final papers, he left a letter expressing his wishes, closing with the words: "I love you all and thanks for giving me a great life."

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham, NY 12110.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110.

Memorial contributions may be made to WAIT House, Glens Falls, by visiting hycwaithouse.org or to a charity of one's choice.

For further information or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.