Obituary

Dennis McLaughlin

October 21, 1941 – December 18, 2024

On December 18, 2024, Dennis McLaughlin 83, passed away peacefully in his Mission Viejo home, where he resided for 52 years. As a much loved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Dennis was ushered into eternal life with love and dignity, surrounded by family.

A native Californian, Dennis was born on October 21, 1941 in Santa Monica, CA to Donald and Sylvia McLaughlin. He attended St. Monica Catholic School from Kindergarten through 12th grade, where his love for the Lord and the Catholic Faith was developed and nurtured. After graduating high school, he attended UCLA where he studied Mechanical Engineering. While in college, he met the love of his life, Judy Lange, and they were married on August 17, 1963. The next 9 years would bring the arrival of 3 children, and a job as an Aerospace Engineer at McDonnell Douglas, which relocated him to Mission Viejo. In later years, Dennis changed careers into Construction Management, and eventually owned his own construction and roofing company. With brave perseverance, he survived a tragic car accident at the age of 62, which forced him into retirement and a slower life. At age 66 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and despite a 6 month prognosis, he fought successfully for 17 years. He filled the last 2 decades with enjoying his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as volunteering at Mission Hospital.

Dennis lived a beautiful life of passion and experiences. He was an avid snow skier who was adamant about passing down this love to his children. Together with his family, he enjoyed many memorable ski trips where he taught all 3 of his kids to ski and to love the sport. He eventually enjoyed working as a ski patroller at Snow Summit in Big Bear, CA. Additionally, Dennis had a love for soccer. Starting out as an AYSO referee, he climbed the ladder to high school, then collegiate level, and eventually became an accomplished FIFA referee for the Men’s Indoor Soccer League. His later years uncovered a passion for working in his yard, pruning and cultivating his beloved roses, and avidly reading his favorite mystery/thriller authors. Dennis loved the Lord with his whole being, and considered his Catholic Faith the cornerstone of his life. He cultivated many friendships and considered his closest friends as brothers. Above all however, was his passion for his family; he loved hard and deeply. He showed each member of his family how to truly love, and his example can be seen in the loving families created by his three children.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 61 years, Judy McLaughlin, sons Mike (Becky) McLaughlin, Pat (Erika) Brown-McLaughlin, daughter Erin (Mark) Stitt-Stockman.

He was the proud “Papa” of grandchildren Mackenzie, Hannah, and Gavin McLaughlin, Emery and Mason McLaughlin, Tanner and Bradyn Stitt, and Christy, Ryan, and Megan Messner.  Additionally he was the loving “Big Papa” to great-grandchildren BrayLynn and Braxton Linden. These children were his pride and joy.

A funeral Mass will be held on December 30th at 10:30am at St. Kilian Catholic Church, 26872 Estanciero Dr. Mission Viejo, CA. Reception to follow. If you wish to send flowers, they must be sent to O’Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA by 2:00pm on December 29, 2024.