Rev. Thomas R. McLaughlin, known as "Father Tom," died suddenly on Friday, January 16, in St. Mary's Hospital, Passaic. A Roman Catholic priest in the Archdiocese of Newark, Father Tom was 62 years old. Visitation will be held today, Thursday, from 9 to 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, Rutherford, followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Born in Elizabeth, Father Tom was graduated from Blessed Sacrament School in Elizabeth and Roselle Catholic High School before entering Seton Hall University and then Immaculate Conception Seminary, where he received a master of divinity degree. He was ordained on May 30, 1981. Father Tom served as a parochial vicar in Corpus Christi in Hasbrouck Heights, Holy Name of Jesus in East Orange, St. Philomena in Livingston, Sacred Heart in Bloomfi eld, St. Henry in Bayonne and St. Cecilia in Kearny. He also served as chaplain at Beth Israel in Newark and Pope John Paull II Pavilion in Orange until retiring to the St. John Vianney residence last year. In his last year, he visited his fellow priests in hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities through the Ministry to Infi rmed Priests. Predeceased by his parents, Charles and Helen McLaughlin, he is survived by two sisters, Linda Olechnowicz and Donna Kelly. The family has suggested that memorial contributions be made to the St. John Vianney Residence, 60 Home Avenue, Rutherford, NJ 07070.
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