Obituary of Neil Michael McLaughlin

Brasher Falls - Neil Michael McLaughlin, 86, passed away peacefully Monday, July 2, 2012 at his home surrounded by the love and prayers of his family. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Neil was born on April 1, 1926 in Venosta, Quebec, Canada, son of the late John and Mary (Daly) McLaughlin. His family moved to the states and he graduated from Brushton High School in 1944. On July 28, 1956, he married Connie E. Leary at St. Patrick Church in Brasher Falls, with Fr. Noel Zimmerman celebrating. They shared 57 years together, in a relationship enhanced with love and laughter. Neil raised beef cattle on his farm and drove school bus for 40 years for St. Lawrence Central School, retiring in 1988. He enjoyed working the farm and appreciated nature and its cycles. In the winter, Neil found time to cross country ski and snowmobile. As a husband and father, he was always there to support and love his family unconditionally. One of his greatest joys was to be with his grandkids. He honored his Irish heritage and would share stories of his trip to Ireland. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Brasher Falls, where he was a past Grand Knight; a Charter Member of the Tri Town Trailblazers; a member of the Tri Town Chamber of Commerce; a past member of the B & W Investment Club, where he served as treasurer for many years; a member of Round Lake Hunting Club and a past Teamster officer. Surviving Neil is his wife, Connie; one daughter and son in law, Nora and Shawn Lantry of Syracuse; three sons, Bryan of Watertown, James and his wife, Jude of Burke, VA, and Patrick and Mary of Ft. Jackson; his grandchildren, Hannah and James Haddix, Hilary McLaughlin, Erik McLaughlin, Allison McLaughlin, Nathan McLaughlin, Colin Lantry, Ryan Lantry, and Michael Lantry; many nieces and nephews. One grandson, Declan Michael Lantry, and six brothers, Gerald, Hubert, Victor, Ronald, Raymond, and Peter predeceased him. Visitation will be Thursday from 3 to 7 pm at the funeral home. Neil's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick Church in Brasher Falls Friday at 10am. Burial will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery in Brasher Falls. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express an act of kindness in Neil's memory, please consider donations in his memory to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, Inc., 6805 US Hwy 11, Potsdam, NY 13676, Alzheimer's Association of Central NY, 120 Washington St., Suite 419, Watertown, NY 13601, or Tri Town Rescue, P. O. Box 238, Brasher Falls, NY 13613. Memories and condolences can be shared with Neil's family at www.hammillfh.com.