Obituary of Michael Paul McLaughlin Jr.

Michael Paul McLaughlin, Jr. died suddenly on Sunday, January 5, 2025, after doing what he loved: racing sailboats. Born in Stamford, CT, on November 12, 1987, to the late Michael Paul McLaughlin, Sr. and Nancy McLaughlin.  Michael grew up in Darien, CT, in his beloved Noroton Bay neighborhood. He graduated from Darien High School in 2006 and he went on to attend Roger Williams University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications in 2010. During his college years, he met his wife, Natasha McLaughlin (nee Stone). They married in 2019 and settled in her hometown of Harrison, NY. 

In 2018, Michael started his professional career in insurance. He joined Levitt-Fuirst Insurance and Bonding as a salesperson and was soon promoted to manager of the Workers’ Compensation team. Michael and Natasha were enthusiastic attendees at many of the company’s events. Throughout, Michael was respected as a critical contributor to Levitt-Fuirst; his hard work, kind nature, and friendship will be dearly missed by his coworkers.

Like his father, Michael was a passionate and accomplished sailor. He loved being on any boat, be it a leisure cruise with his family or competitive racing with his crewmates.  He excelled at sailing, and his list of accomplishments were endless. Michael completed countless races on Long Island Sound.  He participated in multiple New York Yacht Club Annual Regattas and Stamford Yacht Club Vineyard Races.  He competed with great success in Block Island Race Week since 2016, having won it in 2021. Michael completed the prestigious 636-mile Newport Bermuda Race in 2016, 2018, 2022, and 2024. Natasha and the shore team would meet him in Bermuda and when they returned, Michael proudly hosted lobster dinners for his family, served on his prized commemorative plates.  All that being said, Michael would proclaim that the deep friendships he developed with his crewmates were the most valuable reward he received from sailing. He was at his absolute best when he was on the water.  

At the young age of 12, Michael was predeceased by his father, Michael Paul McLaughlin, Sr. From that moment, with a profound sense of optimism and poise, he became his family’s anchor and selfless cheerleader. Michael valued his family above all else. He filled his roles as husband, son, brother, brother-in law, and especially uncle better than anyone. Michael’s smile, attitude, laugh and willingness to help were among his best qualities. Michael was always up for anything. Whether it be skiing, time at the beach with Natasha, pier jumping, fishing, playing with the kids in the backyard, or walking around the Bay, Michael ultimately wanted to be with his family. 

In addition to his loving wife Natasha, he is survived by his mother Nancy McLaughlin, his sisters Meghann Dockum (Christian), Missy Marcel (Vladimir), and his twin sister Erin Volante (Steve). He will be forever remembered as “Uncle Fun” by his nieces and nephews: Ella, Oliver, and Rowan Dockum, Connor and Stuart Marcel, and Sage and Cora ZZ Volante. Michael leaves behind his in-laws Bill and Lori Stone and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Visiting hours will be in Darien, CT, on Thursday, January 9, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Lawrence Funeral Home, and a service will be held on Friday, January 10, at 11 AM at Noroton Presbyterian Church. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.LawrenceFuneralhome.com