Edward A. "Eddie Mac" Mclaughlin

Age 73, of Elmira, left this Earth to be "Together Forever" in Heaven with his beloved wife and best friend, Jan, on May 26, 2005.Survived by 5 children and their spouses whom Ed and Jan considered their 10 children.Sons and daughters-in-law, Terry and Ellen McLaughlin of Elmira, NY with granddaughter Mikaela and great grandchildren Austin and Toni, Richie and Wendy McLaughlin of Pine City, NY with grandchildren Jeremy and Nicole, Mik and Cary McLaughlin of Elmira, NY with granddaughter Courtney.Daughters and sons-in-law Jean and Jeff Barron of Pine City, NY with grandchildren Jason and Joe, Barb and Tim Wolosen of Schaghticoke, NY.Also, special former daughter-in-law Shelly Walter of Alden, NY.Also surviving Ed are brother and sister-in-law Bud and Pat McLaughlin of Elmira, NY and sister and brother-in-law Joyce and Bob Anderson of Elmira, NY, sister-in-law Mae McLaughlin of Pine City, NY, Nancy Vallely of Hawaii, Jan McConnell of Lockport, NY and former brother-in-law Bob Vallely of Hawaii.Surviving Ed are also many nephews and nieces and their families.Predeceased by his wife of 51 plus years, Jan, on March 7, 2003 whom Ed loved deeply and was unselfishly devoted to; first born grandchild Christopher Barron; parents, Margaret and Arthur McLaughlin; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lester and Marjorie McConnell; sister, Jean McLaughlin; brother, Don McLaughlin; brother-in-law, John (Jack) McConnell; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gerould (Jerry) and Phyllis McConnell.Ed was proud of his Hornby, NY roots and was a 1949 graduate of Southside High School.He was a member of the Remington Rand, LON and Larrabees Powerhouse Fast Pitch Softball teams of the 1950's as well as industrial league basketball earning multiple allstar honors in both leagues.Several teammates from those years still consider him one of the best athletes NOT elected to the City's Hall of Fame.Ed never blew his own horn, he set a standard for all men to be measured by, both as a father and a husband.Rare is the person to have heard a bad word spoken about Ed.His sense of humor and character are a legacy his family is proud to be a part of.Ed always kept abreast of his kids and grandkids lives, from attending their sporting events, to writing letters of praise and encouragement during basic training, to talking about yesterday's Yankee game.It wasn't until he retired from the NYS Department of Corrections in 1990, that Eddie's kids realized what a great sense of humor he had.Ed's children would like to express their gratitude, to his relatives and many close friends who have demonstrated what true friendship is, by always supporting our family during many health crisis and bumps in the road, through the years.Your calls and visits during Dad's final days helped him to make a peaceful journey to see his soul mate Jan.Family and friends are invited to call at Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira, NY on Sunday, May 29, 2005 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM with funeral and committal there at 5:00 PM.The Reverend Ray Hourihan will officiate.Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery at the convenience of the family.In lieu of flowers, E'swishes were to have donations made to the Children's Miracle Network at Arnot Ogden Medical Center, the Arctic League or the Southern Tier Hospice.Those wishing may leave a "Candle of Remembrance" for the family in Obituaries at www.olthof.com .