William "Bill" Hancock McLaughlin's Obituary
William “Bill” Hancock McLaughlin passed away Monday, September 1, 2014 at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, DE. Bill was born in Lancaster, PA on February 1, 1926, son of the late Raymond B. McLaughlin and Georgette J. Bares.
Bill attended Stevens Trade School in Lancaster PA, 1942-1947, where he learned the machinist trade. His schooling was interrupted for 2 ½ years (1943-1946) when he enlisted in the Navy. Bill served on an LST (Water Tender 2nd Class) in the Pacific Theater in World War II, where he fought in the Battle of Leyte, Philippines - the largest Naval Battle in U.S. history.
Bill was employed in Lancaster, Pennsylvania as a tool and die maker by RCA and Schick prior to spending 12 years as a machinist at Kellogg's before retiring 1992. A bright, creative, hard-working man, Bill loved designing, building and fixing just about anything. In his later years Bill lived with his daughter Jodi and son-in-law Rick Franco, and enjoyed the salt air and wildlife of the marsh and bay areas of Sussex County Delaware.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Dorothy McLaughlin (Ruby), his brother, Raymond B. McLaughlin, Jr. and his sister, Betty Marie Bair. Bill is survived by his three children: Mark M. McLaughlin of Manheim, PA, Craig R. McLaughlin of Keenesburg, CO and Jodi D. McLaughlin of Ocean View, DE; three grandchildren, Amanda, Bonnie and Seth McLaughlin and two great-grandchildren, Duncan and Penelope Smith.
Donations in Bill's memory may be sent to Water Street Ministries, P.O. Box 7267 Lancaster, PA 17604 or the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2014 from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at VFW Mason Dixon, Post #7234, 29265 Marshy Hope Way, Ocean View, DE.
Please sign Bill’s guestbook located on this site.
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