Our History
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 provided first-class service to families who called upon him in their time of need.
In the first year of operation, M.J. McLaughlin occupied three different locations in the first two blocks of East Northampton Street. On December 17, 1899, he leased the building immediately north of the Church of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception on South Washington Street. This location was remodeled and expanded three times in the following decades to meet the demands of the growing business. He introduced innovations such as the first automobile hearse in the Wyoming Valley to the public in this period.
His sons, Michael J. and Robert J. joined him as funeral directors, and M.J. McLaughlin Company was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1928. Soon after that, in 1935, they opened the first purpose-built funeral service facility in the area. It remains our principal business location today. They operated branch offices in the East End section of Wilkes-Barre, Ashley, and Kingston through the years.
Succeeding generations have maintained that spirit of ingenuity established by our founder over many years. Our needs have changed with the needs of our client families, especially over the past twenty years, as technology has become an integral part of our client family services.
Today, we can create events with facets that didn't exist just a few short years ago. Our fourth generation of family ownership and operation is committed to acquiring and maintaining the finest in technological advances related to funeral service. This commitment 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.
CHOOSE COMPETENCE
CHOOSE PEOPLE WHO CARE
CHOOSE THE BEST VALUE FOR WHAT YOU SPEND
YOU WILL NEVER REGRET CHOOSING QUALITY
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Katie McLaughlin
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 at the firm in 1986, and became a partner in 1997.
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Thomas V. McLaughlin FS FD
Born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, Tommy is a son of the late Thomas V. and Christine Jeffrey McLaughlin. 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.
Tommy is a fourth-generation partner and licensed funeral director and has assisted more than four thousand client families in the planning process. He is responsible for all aspects of service to client families and is always available to assist client families with needs and questions pertaining to life celebrations.
Katie and Tommy live in Wilkes-Barre and have been blessed with three great children: Maggie and her husband Danny, Thomas, and Cormick and his wife Hannah; four beautiful granddaughters, Kit, Piper, Jules, and Remy; and a very handsome grandson, Mac. They are members of the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima at the Church of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception where Tommy is a lector and member of the finance and pastoral councils.
They can often be found walking the streets of Wilkes-Barre and Kingston 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.
