Achillies J McLaughlin

Achilles J. "Jack" McLaughlin, 84, of West Boylston passed away peacefully Thursday, April 9th 2015 with his loving family by his side. Achilles was born in Grafton, his mother was the late, Mary McLaughlin. He graduated from Grafton High School and enlisted in the military. Achilles served as a Corporal in the United States Army from 1947 until 1950, but he was most proud of his time in the Marine Corps, serving as a Private First Class with the Headquarters Battalion 3rd Marine Brigade in Japan, during the Korean War, from 1950-51,. Upon his return Achilles worked in sales for several wholesale manufacturing companies in the area before retiring.. Achilles is survived by his former wife Marilyn Fink; one son, John McLaughlin and his life partner Dawn Fisher of Colorado; four daughters, Mary Elizabeth Wolochowicz of West Boylston, Maureen McLaughlin and her wife Laura Williams of Hawaii, Annemarie Gautreau and her husband George of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Kate Hancock and her husband Jon of West Hampton; one sister, Patricia Puskarcik of Youngstown, Ohio; nine grandchildren, Jonathan and Patrick O'Brien, Peter and Alex Wolochowicz, Emily Emanuelli Packard, Stephanie and Molly Hancock, Christopher and Cameron Durham; six great-grandchildren; and his beloved cat Sadie. Achilles was a life member of the Worcester Detachment 14 of the Marine Corp League and the Disabled Americans Veterans Chapter 4, South Works Post. He was a kindhearted man who found joy and happiness volunteering with children at Sherry's House, Why Me Program and helping the survivors of the Western Massachusetts 2011 tornado, where he forged lasting relationships with many of the families that he helped. He was also a well-known patron of many local diners, a nature enthusiast, who enjoyed hiking and being outdoors and as an avid horse racing aficionado. Jack loved his family and was happiest while he was spending time with his loving children, grandchildren and great-grand kids. Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours, Wednesday, April 15th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. A memorial service will be celebrated subsequently at 6:00 pm. Burial will be held privately at a later time. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in his honor to the Sherry's House, Why Me Program Inc., 1152 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA 01602, http://www.whyme.org/