Obituary of Fr. Anthony McLaughlin

Reverend Anthony McLaughlin, 76, entered into eternal life while surrounded by loving family and friends on Sunday, October 16, 2011. Father succumbed to injuries sustained in an automobile accident in August. He was born in Malin Head, County Donegal, Ireland on February 20, 1935 to James and Catherine (Doherty) McLaughlin. He was the youngest of their thirteen children. Father studied at St. Patrick's College, Carlow, Ireland and was ordained there on June 13, 1959 for the Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey. This energetic and idealist young priest came to the United States in August of 1959 to begin a ministry that would span over fifty years. He served the people of the diocese at various parishes, including St. Nicholas in Passaic, St. Lawrence the Martyr in Chester, St. Catherine of Sienna in Mt. Lakes, and St. Mary's in Denville. He held a Master of Arts Degree in Education from Fordham University. From 1965 until 1976 he was the Director of Morris Catholic High School, Denville. He later served as the Director of Bayley-Ellard High School in Madison for five years. Father McLaughlin always found true joy in working with teenagers. He could be a spiritual leader, the administrator, a counselor, a disciplinarian, or a much admired role model. He served as a Chaplain at St. Clare's Hospital Denville, Overlook Hospital Summit, and most recently, Greystone Park in Morris Plains. He ministered to the needs of those at the Sunrise Assisted Living in Succasunna. He was currently the Chaplain for the Franciscan Sisters of St. Elizabeth in Parsippany as well as helping out his fellow priests in area parishes as the need arose. He was the "unofficial" coach of many area athletic teams and always kept a tender spot in his heart for the Morris Catholic Crusaders. He loved his adopted town of Denville and was often referred to as the "Morning Mayor" as he strolled through the A & P sampling grapes or holding court in the bagel shop. Father was a beloved priest and friend to all who knew him. Many felt he was a part of their family and the lives he has touched are too numerous to count. His presence will be sadly missed. He is survived by his brother Gerry of London, England, his sisters Catherine of Denville, Susan Evans of Neath, Wales and Eileen of Carndonagh, Ireland as well as 19 nieces and nephews and 31 great nieces and great nephews. Father will lie in repose at St. Mary's Church, Denville on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 from 1PM until 8PM. Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli will be the principal celebrant of a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 11AM at the church. Father will be buried in Malin Head, County Donegal, Ireland. Funeral Services under the direction of Norman Dean Home for Services 16 Righter Ave Denville, NJ 07834. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to The Reverend Anthony McLaughlin Memorial Scholarship Fund at Morris Catholic High School, 200 Morris Avenue, Denville, NJ 07834. Please light a candle in his memory at: www.normandean.com.