Who We Are
We have 112 years of family history in caring for families from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to superior client family service, have the highest integrity, and offer quality and value to them.
When we sit down with a client family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. We offer a wide variety of services and products, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions.Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Client families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because, in coming to us, they have done their best to honor their loved one.
Our Story
In 1898, the United States was at war with Spain, New York City's five boroughs were merged, neon was discovered, the first automobile was sold, and, while much less significant, M.J. McLaughlin began operating as an 'Undertaker' in Wilkes-Barre. He quickly became a leader in the profession and was known for providing first-class service to families who called upon him in their time of need.
The original location was remodeled and expanded three times in the following decades to meet the demands of the growing business. During this time, innovations such as the first automobile hearse in the Wyoming Valley, were introduced to the public.
His sons, Michael J. and Robert J., joined him as funeral directors and M.J. McLaughlin Company was incorporated in 1928. Soon thereafter, the first purpose-built funeral service facility in the area was opened (it remains our principle business location today).
Succeeding generations have maintained that spirit of ingenuity established by our founder over many years. Our needs have changed with those of our client families, especially over the past twenty years. Technology has become an integral part of our client family services.
Today, we are able to create events with facets that were not even conceived just a few short years ago. Our fourth generation of family ownership and operation has made the commitment to acquiring and maintaining the finest in technological advances as they relate to funeral service. This allows us to provide our client families with unsurpassed service, incomparable facilities, first-class professional vehicles and a virtually unlimited number of customizable options for their life celebration events. Thus, creating the best value in funeral service in the area.
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We are Dedicated to Superior Client Family Service...
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The Best Professionals
Katie McLaughlin, President
Born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, Katie is a daughter of Jack and Anne Mulvey Mulroy. She received her education at E.L. Meyers High School and King’s College in Wilkes-Barre. Katie began working for M.J. McLaughlin Company in 1986. In 1997, she was appointed Vice-President and elected to the Board of Directors of the company. Katie was appointed President of the company in 2007.
Katie is responsible for coordination of client family services and benefits.
Thomas V. McLaughlin FS FD, Secretary-Treasurer
Born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, Tommy is a son of the late Thomas V. and Christine Jeffrey McLaughlin. Tommy began working for M.J. McLaughlin Company at the age of two, accompanying his father on his first long-distance trip to Washington, D.C. in order to bring a client home for services. Official employment started in 1979 as a hired casket bearer and later as a driver. He started working with client families in 1985, assisting them with funeral and memorial service planning and coordination. Following his formal education at E.L. Meyers High School, Villanova University and the Simmons Institute, he completed his requirements for professional licensure in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and received his license in January 1989. That same year he was named supervisor of the Wilkes-Barre location, appointed Secretary-Treasurer and elected to the Board of Directors of the company. Tommy is a fourth generation owner and licensed funeral director, and has assisted more than four thousand client families in the planning process. Tommy is always available to assist client families with needs and questions pertaining to life celebrations. He is responsible for all aspects of service to client families.
Katie and Tommy live in Wilkes-Barre and have three children, Maggie, T and Cormick. They are members of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish where Tommy is a lector and member of the finance and pastoral councils.
They can be found running the streets of Wilkes-Barre and Kingston every day at some time between 5 and 8 AM...please give a friendly beep and wave because they can't always see you through your windshield.
William W. Lisman FD, VP Operations
Born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, Bill is a son of the late Walter and Betty Heck Lisman. Bill is a third generation licensed funeral director. After completing his formal education at Saint Nicholas High School, King’s College and the New England Institute, he joined his father in the operation of Walter W. Lisman and Son Funeral Home (later Lisman Funeral Home, Inc.) in 1975. Bill has been a deputy coroner for Luzerne County for the past thirty-two years and served as Chief Deputy Coroner since 2001. Bill and Tommy have been working together for many years and decided to formalize their relationship in March of 2009. Bill closed his independent operation and joined M.J. McLaughlin Company as Vice President of Operations. He is responsible for preparation for client family services and is available to meet the needs of client families at all times.
Bill lives in Mountain Top with his wife, Debbie Ostrowski Lisman, a registered nurse assigned to the Surgical Heart Team at Geisinger Wyoming Valley. They are the parents of four children: William, Michael, Gregory and Laura. They are members of Saint Nicholas Parish.
Kaitlin Keating Storz FD, VP Client Family Services
Born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, Kaitlin is a daughter of Sean and Patricia Hartley Keating. After completion of her formal education at E.L. Meyers High School, East Stroudsburg University and Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, Kaitlin completed her internship at M.J. McLaughlin Company. She received her license in 2009 after successfully completing all requirements set forth by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Since joining M.J. McLaughlin Company in 2006, Kaitlin has assisted hundreds of client families with their needs in all facets of funeral service. She is responsible for the coordination of services for client families following funeral and memorial services.
Kaitlin lives in Wilkes-Barre with her husband Jerry, a professional educator teaching history at Wyoming Valley West Middle School. They are members of Saint Aloysius Parish.
