Robert J. McLaughlin

Robert J. McLaughlin, 97, of Gardner, died peacefully Sunday, February 16, 2025, in Gardner Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Gardner, after an illness.

Born in Claremont, New Hampshire, on May 13, 1927, he was the son of the late Earl L. and Pearl (Marston) McLaughlin. He graduated from West Lebanon (NH) High School with the Class of 1945, the Clark School in Hanover, NH, in 1948, and Burdett College in Boston in 1951 with his associate degree. Robert was a United States Army World War II Veteran serving from 1945 to 1947, receiving the Army Occupation Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He was the Vice President and General Manager of Sales and Packaging of International Paper Corp of Gardner for 44 years until his retirement in 1996. He was previously employed by Symons Paper Company.

Robert was a parishioner of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Gardner. He was the past chair of the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Lebanon (NH) VFW, and a member of Rotary International. He was an avid sports fan following the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. Robert loved being out on the water fishing—especially fly fishing. His greatest joy and treasure was his family, cherishing all the memories they made.

Robert is survived by his children, David R. McLaughlin and his wife Justine of West Lebanon, NH, Joyce E. Murray and her husband Edward of Harwich, MA, Lynne F. Cole and her husband Walter of Chelmsford, MA, Brian Fitzgerald and his significant other Celeste Gallagher of Townsend, MA, and Paula Nims of Gardner, MA; four grandchildren, Patrick, and Robyn McLaughlin, Ashley and Nicholas Murray; great-grandchildren, Kyle Martin, Khloie and Kinsley McLaughlin; many nieces, nephews, and a cousin, Paul Sicard of Warden, QC, Canada.

He was predeceased by his first wife of 19 years, Helen (Hall) McLaughlin, who died in 1972; his second wife of 45 years, E. Lorene (Regan) (Fitzgerald) McLaughlin, who died in 2024; and a grandson, Tyler Nims.

Chapel Services with Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA.

A second Graveside Service will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the West Lebanon (NH) Cemetery, Pleasant St, West Lebanon, NH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Please reference in memory of Robert J. McLaughlin.