Earl Charles McLaughlin of Tampa, Florida passed away unexpectedly at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.
Earl was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island to the late Leo and Lea (Oliver) McLaughlin. He later relocated to Bronx, New York in his early years. On April 19th 1968, he was drafted into the United States Army. Earl was then swept off to Fort Hamilton, New York where he trained to be a typist. Serving 3 years in the US Army Earl’s last duty station being Maint. OPS DIR 2nd Logistics Command USARPAC. Accumulating several deployments to hostile territories and earned a number of achievements. He was ultimately honorably and fully medically discharged in 1971 due to an unfortunate accident.
Time continued into the 70’s where he relocated to Tampa, Florida and he called home for the years to come. Earl started his next grand adventure when he took out his future wife on their very first date to Red Lobster for brunch. They met at James A. Haley hospital and happily dated through the following years eventually getting married on August 15th 2015. Earl enjoyed using his free time fishing from his dock on Lake George and playing pool on his table at home as he was a very avid player. He also enjoyed going out on various day trips and adventures with his wife Esther to the Farmers Market, Busch Gardens, Local Parks and Lowery Park Zoo. He had a fondness for all things Tampa Bay, including the Buccaneers which he enjoyed watching them play every chance he was able to. Earl also ventured over to Tropicana Field, where he took pleasure in seeing the Rays play ball and enjoying the club house amenities.
Earl loved his family immensely. He is survived by his wife Esther, Children Jason, Christine (Troy), Christopher (Jennifer), William (Katelyn) and 10 grand children. He was always a caring, loving and compassionate person in life. Earl will be dearly missed by everyone who had the opportunity to be a part of his life.
