Obituary of Patrick McLaughlin

Patrick W. McLaughlin, 56, a lifelong resident of Rome, passed away at Bethany Gardens on December 30, 2020. Patrick, affectionately known as “Wilbur” to many, was born on August 11, 1964, in Rome, a son of the late C. Mark, Jr. and Nancy Farmer McLaughlin. Patrick was previously employed by Wal-Mart Distribution, G. K. Lince Security Installations and York Liquors. He was a member of St. Peter’s Church, graduate of Rome Free Academy, Past Exalted Ruler, Rome Elks Lodge #96, member of Frank J. Steczko Post, Rome Hook and Ladder Fire Department and Volunteer Fireman’s Benevolent Association. Patrick especially enjoyed spending time relaxing at the family “hunting camp” in Old Forge, NY; visiting lifelong friends in Canada, New Hampshire and S. Carolina; and spending holidays with family. Patrick is survived by two brothers, C. Mark III and Claudia McLaughlin, Old Forge, NY and Las Vegas NV and Sean McLaughlin and Wendy Unell (fiancé), of Rome. Four sisters, Mary and Joseph Stanton, Nancy and John Gleason, Eileen and William Heaney all of Rome and Kathleen McLaughlin of Westernville. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Patrick was predeceased by a sister and brother-in-law, Colleen and Richard Kester. The family would like to thank the staff at Bethany Gardens for their compassionate care and for going above and beyond and always treating him like family, even when Patrick was being a “tough cookie”. Knowing how much the staff genuinely cared for Patrick provided much comfort to the family in a time when visiting was not possible. Therapy staff at Bethany Gardens described Patrick as “strong, funny and determined”. We couldn’t have said it better! A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 11:AM at St. Peter's Church, Rome. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday from 4-7 P.M. at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Road, Rome. Interment will take place in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Donations in Patrick’s memory can be made to The Joseph Michael Chubbuck Foundation, PO Box 4917, Rome, NY 13442 or https://www.thejmcf.org/. Anyone planning to attend services is asked to please wear a face covering and adhere to social distancing requirements.