John McLaughlin III, 81, died Sept. 25 at age 81.
McLaughlin was born in Leesburg July 29, 1942, to Florence Nichols McLaughlin and John McLaughlin, Jr. He spent most of his childhood in China Lake, Calif., until the death of his father in 1959. His mother moved him and his three brothers back to Loudoun County.
He attended Loudoun County High School in Leesburg and went on to study at The Catholic University of America in Washington. During his time at Catholic U., he was a prominent pitcher for the baseball team for four years. He continued his studies at the Catholic U.’s Columbus School of Law and was earned a juris doctor degree in 1968. While in law school, McLaughlin met his future wife, Christine Tully, who was a senior at Trinity College in Washington. They married April 12, 1969, in Christine’s hometown of Caldwell, N.J.
After working in the Department of Justice, McLaughlin then received a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where the couple had their first child. During this time, McLaughlin rose to the rank of captain. The family returned to Northern Virginia in 1972, and they had four more children.
McLaughlin’s law career spanned 55 years. He joined Shanley and Fisher law firm before starting a private practice in Falls Church. He later served as general counsel at Cavalier Logistics in Dulles.
In his spare time, McLaughlin prioritized service to his community. He coached many youth soccer and basketball teams.
McLaughlin was a tireless benefactor of diocesan Catholic Charities. He and Christine regularly attended the annual Catholic Charities ball. At the 2019 ball, the couple received the James J. Matthews Legacy Award given to benefactors who exemplify a longtime commitment. He was a member of the Catholic Charities Special Gifts Committee for more than 25 years.
In addition to Catholic Charities, McLaughlin was a strong supporter and benefactor of other charities and institutions, including St. James Church and School in Falls Church; Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School in Washington; Ignatian Volunteer Corps; Red Cloud Indian School in Pine Ridge, S.D.; Jesuit Academy; and Education Across Borders.
McLaughlin is survived by Christine; his three brothers, Robert, Michael and Joseph; his five children, John IV, Timothy, Maureen, Brian and Anne; and his 10 grandchildren, Annika, Anjamora, John V, Colin, Tadhg, Tully, Fiadh, Isabella, Jonathan and Isabelle Grace.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Oct. 7 at St. Aloysius Church in Washington.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Education Across Borders, Red Cloud Indian School or diocesan Catholic Charities.
