Paul J. Laughlin

Paul J. Laughlin Sr., of Norwich passed away peacefully at his home, on Sunday, June 6, after an extended illness. He was predeceased by his wife Josephine in June of 2020. He is survived by his five children, Anna Laughlin of Lusby, Maryland; Rose and Anita Laughlin of Norwich, New York; Erin Laughlin of Coral Springs, Florida and Paul J. Laughlin Jr. of Greenville, South Carolina. Mr. Laughlin also had four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He also has a sister, Sarah Smith of White Plains, Missouri

Paul was born on July 14, 1930 in Chicago Illinois. This was during the Great Depression and his father moved the family several times looking for employment which was hard to come by at the time. In 1939 The family settled on a farm in East Pharsalia, where Paul spent the remainder of his childhood. It was from this home that he walked the ever famous 5 miles, uphill, in the snow, both ways to school.

Paul met Josephine Taranto on a blind date for New Year’s Eve in 1952. They were married on May 31st, 1954. In 1958 they purchased the home where Paul and Josephine raised their family and remained at this address until his dying day.

As a young man Paul had some great adventures that he loved to talk about with the embellishment of a true Irishman. Once he married though, he settled down and held several different jobs, some all at once to support his young family. Most of his working life was spent in the employ of Norwich Pharmaceuticals/Morton Norwich/Proctor and Gamble of Norwich from which he retired in 1993 with over 30 years of service. After retirement he volunteered at the Classic Car Museum on Rexford Street in Norwich for several years.

In his 40s, he took up running and actually ran a few marathons. When that became a little rough on the knees, he began hiking and lead groups on hikes on the Adirondack trail.

Paul was particularly proud of his Irish heritage. He loved to sing the songs of old Ireland and of course celebrated St. Patrick’s Day every year with gusto. He was able to visit the land of his heritage twice after he retired and it was these trips and provided fond memories for him to share for the rest of his life.

Paul loved a good debate over politics and actually served as an alderman of district 5 in Norwich from 2006-2015. He decided not to run again because he felt it was time for a younger person to step up and get involved. He was 85 at the time.

Most people who knew Paul know that he was a good-natured man. He loved to tell jokes, especially the off-color ones and would collect them from his friends and children to tell the nurses at the dialysis center where he spent three days a week for the past several years. You always knew when he was coming because you could hear him whistling as he came, usually an Irish tune or something from his youth. When his kids were of school age, he would bound up the stairs every morning, whistling and shouting rise and shine! He’d have oatmeal ready and made sure all were fed before he went off to work. He was a kind and generous man and was quick to offer assistance to friends and neighbors in need of assistance. He will be missed by many.

Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Friday, June 11, from 11-1pm followed by a service at 1:00pm. Burial will follow in the Deer Pond Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions to Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County, 33-39 Court St., Norwich, NY 13815 or to Chenango County SPCA, 6160 Cty. Rd. 32, Norwich, NY 13815