WILTON – J. Anthony McLaughlin (Tony) died peacefully at his home on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at the age of 76.
Tony was born on June 11, 1942 in Bath, the son of Joseph and Ruth McLaughlin. He is survived by his wife Carolyn of 43 years; sister Kay; children Jolene (Jim), Gary (Elaine), Laurie (Scott), Alan, David (Kylee), Joe (Rachel). Survivors also include grandchildren Isaac (Terry), Ben (Tori), Rob (Liz), Ashley (Alex), Ryan, Miranda (Dylan), Mariah, Alyssa, Alix, Ty, Serrana, Quinn, Clark and Annabel and great-grandchildren Brandon, Braelyn, Reegan and Gemma.
He was predeceased by his parents and daughter-in-law Gabe McLaughlin.
After graduating from Morse High School in 1960, Tony attended Aroostook State College, Gorham State Teachers College and ultimately graduated from the University of Maine. Immediately following, he pursued and received a Master’s Degree from the University of Maine.
Prior to becoming Admissions Director at UMF on April 1, 1972, he taught at Houlton High School, was an admissions counselor at Ricker College and director of admissions at U. Maine-Presque Isle. He worked tirelessly in admissions for students throughout New England while also involved as a leader in many regional and national admissions organizations. Even after retiring, Tony’s passion to advocate for students at Maine high schools continued through his work at the MELMAC Education Foundation for 15 more years. He cherished his daily walks with friends Bob and Walek and his many world travels with Terrie and Roy.
Tony was a long time collector of sports memorabilia and gladly offered his services as a coach, assistant coach or as a sideline coach for his kids, or at many grandchildren’s sporting events, and even attending his friends’ kid’s games! He was always ready to take on the challenge of a game of cribbage, dominoes or Uncle Wiggly. He possessed an affinity for all things New England sports and was a fixture in a variety of fantasy baseball/football leagues for over 30 years. For those fortunate enough to have known Tony, he will always be remembered as a genuinely warm and compassionate person. He always saw the good in people. Tony was the consummate husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, co-worker, and most of all friend.
His family invites you to share memories and condolences on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.
Funeral Services will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, High St., Wilton on Friday Aug. 24, 2018 at 1 p.m. followed by a graveside service at Lakeview Cemetery, Wilton. Following services, a reception will be held in the church undercroft. All are welcome. A memorial visitation will be held Sat. Aug. 25 from 4-5 p.m., followed by a celebration of life service at 5 p.m. from the North Dining Hall on the UMF campus.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wilton Scholarship Committee, PO Box 337, Wilton, ME 04294, an organization that Tony enthusiastically supported for many years. Arrangements are in the care of the Wiles Remembrance Center: Adams~McFarlane Chapel 137 Farmington Falls Rd., (Rtes. 2 & 27) Farmington.
Sorry to learn of this. Enjoyed lots of conversations about sports memorabilia, fantasy sports, and all things Red Sox. Tony was an encyclopedia on these subjects. And I knew him as a sincere advocate of public education and the well being of students. RIP, Tony.
I’m very saddened to read about Tony’s passing. He was an excellent teacher at Houlton High School where he also initiated a Future Teacher’s of America organization and other community activities. It was a great day for the Wilton/Farmington communities when he decided to move to this area. He was a dedicated father, friend, and professional, and did it all so well. My sincere condolences to Carolyn and family.
Carolyn & Family,
I am so very sorry to hear about Tony’s death; I couldn’t believe it, not Tony, not now. What a personality he possessed, what vim and vigor, he was unstoppable!!!
That vibrant life also left you all with extraordinary memories that will last throughout your lifetimes and console you and make you laugh and cry and rejoice that your lives with blessed with this special guy!
Pat Carpenter
One of the finest people I have ever had the privilege to know. Condolences to the family.
Met Tony at ASC.He helped me do paperwork needed so I could be an exchange student to Lima Peru. Then met him and his wife when I went home to Wilton. Attended church with him. Always was great to see him and his wonderful family.
Always happy, always smiling, always helpful, always caring, and always sincere. My heart felt condolences to his sister Kay, his children who he was so very proud of, and to Carolyn whom he loved dearly, and who together made their little corner of the world a much better place. I expect that he is enjoying a wonderful reunion with his mom and dad, but will be there to welcome us when it is our time to make the journey. It was an honor to know you,Tony!
Tony was a true gentleman and strong advocate for higher education. I’ve known him for nearly 30 years and cannot recall him ever having a bad word to say about anyone. As admissions director at UMF Tony took a chance on many high schoolers who may not have been accepted at other schools, but his judgement and optimism were almost always rewarded with tremendous success. Countless students succeeded at UMF thanks to Tony giving them the opportunity to prove themselves “college material.” Tony believed in people because he saw the good in people. My condolences to Carolyn and family. I’ll miss my friend and colleague.
Tony was a gentlemen and always looking for ways to help folks who were less fortunate then himself.
Carolyn and family,
We were so sad to hear of Tony’s passing. He played such an important part of UMF as well as our lives. He was such a special person and we shall always remember him with very fond memories.
With sincerest condolences and love,
Tom and Sue Eastler
I have always admired Tony. If it had not been for his enthusiasm for education and his inspiring words, I may not have had the courage to continue advancing and meeting my educational goals. His energy and light continued to brighten so many hearts as he went on to devote untold hours to volunteering in our community to help the less fortunate. He had a trusting soul and a way of finding the goodness in everyone he met. Our area has lost a true shining star. My deepest condolences to Carolyn and his family..