Sean Patrick McLaughlin, 66, of Concord, passed away peacefully on November 15 after a courageous battle with cancer. Sean spent his final weeks surrounded by loved ones, displaying, to the end, the quiet dignity that defined him.
Sean was born April 16, 1958, in Winchester, the son of James McLaughlin and Claire McLaughlin (Ives). The fourth of seven children, he cherished memories of growing up in bucolic Woodbury, Connecticut, exploring and playing outdoors with his siblings. Sean graduated from Nonnewaug High School and the University of Connecticut. He was an accomplished athlete, winning the Berkshire League Cross Country Championship in 1975.
Sean entered the hospitality industry, establishing himself as a dynamic general manager who transformed the culture and operations of prominent organizations. Sean finished his career in club management as the general manager of Brae Burn Country Club and Race Brook Country Club. He took pride in the organizations he led and fulfillment from relationships with colleagues and members.
Outside of work, Sean’s interests centered on the great outdoors, history, and sports. He was most inspired at the intersection of those interests as evidenced by his affinity with Concord. In Concord, Sean met his dear partner Dale Criniti, connecting over their devotion to their families and passion for nature, travel, and the arts.
While Sean’s interests were far-ranging, he was first and foremost a selfless and nurturing father who put the dreams and needs of his children ahead of his own. Sean raised his family in Middlebury, Connecticut, where he served on the school board and volunteered extensively in youth development activities.
Although Sean ultimately succumbed to cancer, his 25-year fight against the disease was an inspiration to all who knew him. He overcame daunting odds to survive leukemia as a young father, raising his children to adulthood and building deep bonds with their partners and his adoring grandchildren.
Sean is survived by his children and their spouses Kyle McLaughlin and Hannah McLaughlin (Petrovic), Kevin McLaughlin, and Colleen Syiek (McLaughlin) and Alexander Syiek; his grandchildren Joseph and Grace McLaughlin; his siblings James, Kevin, Maryellen, Colin, Siobhan, Martin, and their spouses; and his partner Dale Criniti.
Family and friends will gather for a period of visitation from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, December 5 at Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center. Private interment will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Concord.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the Jimmy Fund.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. To share a memory or to offer a condolence in Sean’s online guestbook, visit DeeFuneralHome.com.
