Thomas M. McLaughlin

Thomas M. McLaughlin of Chestnut Hill, a decorated US Air Force fighter pilot, died at his home on Dec 5, 2010. He was 63.
Born in Everett, he graduated from Melrose High School after which he attended Yale University where he played varsity Football and Lacrosse. While at Yale he was crossing the campus one day in 1966 and was approached by a photographer from Time Magazine who asked to take his picture. His face was on the cover of the “Man of the Year” edition, representing the 25 and under generation. He graduated from Yale University in 1968. He entered the US Air Force. He flew F-4 Phantom Fighter Jets during the Vietnam War and was highly decorated for his service. He was awarded the Silver Star in 1971 for “Gallantry in Action” the Air Medal for “Meritorious Achievement while participating in Aerial Flight” and the Distinguished Flying Cross with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters for “Extraordinary Achievement while participating in Aerial Flight”. During one of his missions over Laos in February 1971 his jet was shot down and he was rescued by a helicopter while under heavy enemy fire.
After the Air Force, he received an MBA from Harvard Business School, class of 1977. He played rugby at HBS, and then played for the HBS Old Boy’s Rugby Football Club into his early sixties. A resident of Newton since 1984 Tom was active in coaching soccer with the Newton Youth Soccer and BAYS soccer programs. He was President of Teamworks, a company which established several indoor sporting centers for adult and youth indoor sports.
He was the beloved husband of Sally (Hughes) McLaughlin and father of Brian T. of Newton, Thomas P. of CA and Christian C. of Newton. Brother of Elizabeth “Betty” Cahill of Fairfield CT and the late Patricia DeNatale. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
His funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Ignatius of Loyola Church in Chestnut Hill at 10 AM Friday December 10th. Interment will take place at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.

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