Edward G. McLaughlin

Edward George “Bud” McLaughlin of East Longmeadow, MA passed away on October 12, 2019. He was born on March 2, 1931 in Springfield, MA, to the late William and Florence (Ryan) McLaughlin. He was a Systems Technician for New England Telephone (later AT&T) and a 26-year veteran of the Army and Army Reserve. He was a graduate of the Massachusetts Military Academy in Boston and Army Command and Staff College of Fort Leavenworth, KS. After serving in the Advance Signal Corps and the Reserve Officers Association, he retired from the Army Reserve in 1975 with the rank of Major. Bud was a member of St. Michael's Church, a charter member and past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus 9960, and former Vice Commander of the American Legion Post 293. Bud and his wife, Eileen enjoyed their retirement years in Punta Gorda, FL where they were active in Sacred Heart Parish as Ministers of Hospitality and Liturgy. Bringing together his love of the military and history, he volunteered as a guide at the Punta Gorda Military Heritage Museum. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother William, and his loving wife of 59 years Eileen (Cunningham). He is survived by his children, Mary Elizabeth McLaughlin of Southington CT, James E. McLaughlin of Chicopee and Joseph C. McLaughlin and his wife Pamela of Watertown; and 2 grandsons, Niels and Conor Thomsen. Calling hours for family and friends will be Thursday, October 17, 2019 from 4-7pm at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 N. Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 18th beginning at 9am from the funeral home, with a Mass of Christian Burial, to be celebrated at 10am, at St. Michael’s Church, 128 Maple Street, East Longmeadow. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Springfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Military Heritage Museum at https://freedomisntfree.org/give-join/. For online condolences, please visit www.forastiere.com