EDWARD FORBES McLAUGHLIN, JR. – Obituary
Edward Forbes McLaughlin, Jr., age 93, of Franklinville, NJ, passed away on February 4, 2025. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years, Nancy Mildred (née Sykora) McLaughlin. Edward is survived by his children, Michael Edward McLaughlin (the late Wendy), Gary Robert McLaughlin (Kimberly), and the late Bruce William McLaughlin. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Erin Zodda (Jason), Gary E. McLaughlin (Molly), Eric McLaughlin, Jessica Vasille (Bobby), Bryce McLaughlin, and the late Jason McLaughlin. Edward also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren: Michaela Zodda, Lochlan Zodda, Noah McLaughlin (Emma), Atticus McLaughlin, Cora McLaughlin, Everette Vasille, Adalaide Vasille, and Lulu Vasille. He is survived by his sister, Muriel Johnson (Virgil). He was predeceased by his parents, Edward Forbes and Anna Margaret (née Weyant) McLaughlin, as well as his siblings: Anna Starr (Edward), George McLaughlin (Elaine), and Elaine Ross (Ron).
Edward was born on May 25, 1931, in Philadelphia, PA where he was raised until a young teenager. The family moved to Blenheim, where he later met his future wife, Nancy. They married in 1954 and spent a year living in Blackwood before settling in Franklinville, NJ, where they built their life together for 68 years. Edward proudly served as a Corporal in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1949 to 1952, with both the 80th and 81st Airborne divisions as a paratrooper.
In 1954, Edward joined the Carpenters Union, Local 121, specializing for many years in drop ceilings for Jacobson & Co. in Philadelphia. His final years with the union were at the Salem Nuclear Plant building walls before his retirement in 1995. Post retirement, Edward worked for seven years for ERCO Ceilings in Glassboro. Additionally, Edward and Nancy co-owned and operated M&E Pickup Caps from 1978 until 2010.
Edward was a man of few hobbies but was deeply devoted to his family. He was known for his love of the outdoors, particularly for tending to his large vegetable garden and taking long walks. Carpentry wasn’t just a profession for Edward; it was his passion. He had a natural talent for fixing and tinkering with things. Edward maintained a connection with others who served in the military as a member of the VFW Post 2071 in Franklinville. He enjoyed visiting the casinos over the years, initially with his wife, Nancy, and later with his son, Gary, as well as with his daughter-in-law, Kim. Edward was always the man to quietly help his family and friends in a time of need or trouble.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Monday, February 10, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and again on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME, 208 Maple Street, Clayton, NJ 08312. Funeral service on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment to follow at the Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Williamstown. Sign the guestbook and send condolences at BarclayFuneralHome.net.