Thomas J. McLaughlin

Dr. Thomas J. McLaughlin ScD, of Waltham, died Friday, July 1, 2016 in Newton-Wellesley Hospital after being stricken ill at home. He was 68.

Born on September 22, 1947 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania he was a son of the late Francis and Adeline (Fellin) McLaughlin. Tom graduated from St. Gabriel High School in Hazelton, Pennsylvania. He earned his bachelor from King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, followed by a master's degree from State University of New York in Binghamton. Tom also earned a Master in Divinity degree from Notre Dame University and was ordained a priest with the Congregation of the Holy Cross. He lived with the Community for over 13 years.

After careful discernment Tom left the priesthood to work more closely to a cause he felt passionately, Mental Health Services and Social Policy.

He later earned his Doctorate in Health Services Research and Policy from Harvard University. Tom would spend the rest of his life as a Professor of Health Policy, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester. He was keen about children' mental health, a friend of the poor, and an advocate for social justice, equality, and quality of care for vulnerable populations.

Everybody also knew Tom as a lover of animals, short of being a veterinarian. His affection for cats was unwavering and he leaves behind, Gus, Sven, Sarah and Fritz. He found peace and solace in nature and the mountains and in prayers.

He leaves his longtime friend and partner of 21 years, Dr. Onesky Aupont and other family members in Pennsylvania including his brother, Francis McLaughlin and his family as well as his aunt, Rose V. Oberman

Family and friends will honor and remember Tom's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday, July 6th from 5 to 8 p.m. and again on Thursday morning at 9 a.m. before leaving in procession to The Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, 28 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the Haley House Soup Kitchen, 23 Dartmouth St, Boston MA 02116 or Ellen M. Gifford Cat Shelter, 30 Undine Rd, Brighton, MA 02135.