David Leo Mclaughlin

David Leo McLaughlin

David Leo McLaughlin, 74, of McKean, died Thursday May 6, 2010 surrounded by his loving family. His illness was discovered while realizing his final wish, celebrating Christmas in Las Vegas with his daughter Mary and family.

He was born June 22, 1935 in Erie, a son of the late Paul V. and Frances Baker McLaughlin. Dave served in the United States Army after which he worked for many years as a maintenance mechanic at Riley Stoker. After his retirement he worked part time at Bush Industries. Dave and his wife operated an "At Home Day Care" for many children. In the earlier years he was known as "Daddy Dave" and as of late "Papa Dave". He was greatly loved by many children and their families. Dave loved gardening, especially riding his lawn tractor, and watching all the wildlife in his backyard. Many Saturdays were spent at "Rocco's Auctions", where he found many treasures.

Dave married the love of his life, Rose Marie A. LaRiccia on July 4th almost 57 years ago. Together they had 7 children; 3 daughters, Patricia Bennett and husband David of McKean, Mary Rose Scarpitti and husband Gary of Las Vegas, NV and Shirley Oehler and husband Joseph of Millcreek and 4 sons, Paul McLaughlin and fiancée Marge Rutkowski of Summit, Michael McLaughlin and fiancée Sue Wheeler of McKean, Steven McLaughlin of McKean and his beloved son the late Joseph McLaughlin Sr., who passed away on November 8, 2009. He leaves to cherish his memories 17 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and a daughter-in-law, Cheryl McLaughlin of Edinboro. He is further survived by his 4 sisters, Laura Davies and husband Larry Sr. and Phyllis McCaslin and husband Arlen of both McKean, Janice Anderson and husband Wendell of AZ and Lois Williams and husband Cecil of AR and one brother, Norman McLaughlin and wife Patricia of McKean.

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, on Monday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 pm and may attend a Funeral Mass on Tuesday at Saint Francis Xavier RC Church, 8880 West Main Street, McKean at 10 am. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery. The family would like to thank his Hospice nurses, Susan and Veronica and Dr. Chris Dudenhoeffer and his wife for all the wonderful care, support and love they gave to Dave, Rose and their family.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation, 1001 State St, STE 1400, Erie, PA 16501 or to the family c/o the John R. Orlando Funeral Home.