Michael Edward McLaughlin died on April 13. He was 73.

He was born in Boston on July 16, 1948, the son of the late James Hubert McLaughlin and the late Mary Eleanor Fitzgerald McLaughlin. He was raised in Stoughton and attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He eventually lived in Charlestown for many years, where he was a dedicated, creative special education teacher for 15 years. Leaving the education field, he became an independent businessman with multiple retail carpet locations and eventually worked as an independent mortgage broker.

He was a fearless, lifelong world traveler to multiple countries and continents. He maintained homes on Martha’s Vineyard and St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he lived full-time for a dozen years.

In 2004, he was faced with a debilitating neurological disease expected to end his life in five to ten years. Michael met it head-on with grit, determination and courage. He spent 10 days in Rome, returning two days before succumbing to its ravages 17 years later. His family is eternally grateful to Tony Correia, Michael’s best friend and fellow traveler, for his time, attention and devotion. He allowed Michael to live his best possible life in the face of enormous challenges to his freedom. Tony is forever a member of the McLaughlin family.

He is survived by his brothers Brian John McLaughlin, James H. Chip McLaughlin Jr. and Richard Cushing McLaughlin. Michael was the proud uncle of his much-loved four nephews, niece and eight grand-nieces and nephews. They will all miss his wit and tenacity.

His family is also grateful to Lucman Bernier for his care and comfort during Michael’s final years.

Visiting hours were held on April 18 in Canton. His funeral mass took place on April 19 at Holy Cross Church in Easton and interment followed at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, also in Easton.

Donations can be made to Cure PSP at psp.org.