Gerald Todd McLaughlin

Princeton – Gerald Todd “Gibby” McLaughlin, 98, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family. Gibby was born in Princeton on December 1, 1915, one of 16 children to Charles and Mabel (White) McLaughlin. After graduating from Princeton High School, Class of 1935, he went to work for the Conservation Corps Camp initially doing road work, and then as a supply sergeant. On June 7, 1943, he married the love of his life, Elva Mae Dow. Gibby was a veteran of World War II, serving with the US Army in the South Pacific. In 1946, he was discharged as a Staff Sergeant and returned home to Princeton. He worked for the US Government assisting with topographical mapping. Gibby worked several odd jobs such as being the school janitor until beginning his career with Passamaquoddy Lumber, retiring in 1978. While employed with the lumber company, Gibby held several side jobs assisting Harland Hitchins and Fred Leland as an electrician assistant, operating the movie projector for the theater in Princeton, and running his own farm where he had large gardens, a milk cow and several chickens. Not being one to sit around, after retirement he delivered mail part time until 1995, at the age of 80. Gibby attended the Princeton Baptist Church and was a member of the Princeton Grange, Princeton Rod & Gun Club, and Lewey’s Island Lodge #138 A.F. & A.M. He enjoyed woodworking, reading, being a berry picker extraordinaire, eating at the Hilltop Restaurant in Crawford, and was an avid Red Sox and Celtics fan. In addition to his parents, Gibby was predeceased by his loving wife, Elva Mae (Dow) McLaughlin; 14 siblings, and a granddaughter Melissa. Surviving are his four children, Darrell McLaughlin and his wife Rose of Lebanon, OR, Thomas McLaughlin and his wife Barbara of Baileyville, Dianne Daggett and her husband Wayne of Topsfield, and Suzanne Kneeland and her husband Dean of Princeton; a sister, Dorothy Buttarro of Bristol, CT; ten grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchild; many nieces and nephews; many many friends including Harland Hitchins; and his feline companion Toby.

Visiting hours will be held 10 – 11 a.m. Saturday, August 2, 2014 at Princeton Baptist Church, 90 Main St., Princeton. Following the visitation, a celebration of Gibby’s life will begin at 11 a.m. with Pastor Al Mather officiating. Burial will follow in Princeton Cemetery. Donations in Gibby’s memory may be made to Princeton Baptist Church, PO Box 376, Princeton, ME 04668.