Gerald McLaughlin

Gerald "Gerry" McLaughlin, of Glen Ellyn, Illinois passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025 with his daughter, Emily, at his side.

Beloved husband of Terry for 30 years. Loving father of Matthew (Lisa) McLaughlin, James McLaughlin, daughter-in-law Laura McLaughlin, and Emily McLaughlin. Proud Grandpa of Abigail, Connor, Aidan, Kailyn, and Riley. Dear son of the late Matthew and Adele McLaughlin. Cherished brother of John (Paula) McLaughlin, the late Matthew (Kathleen) McLaughlin, the late Ellen (James) Lamb and the late Patricia McLaughlin. Irreplaceable uncle, cousin, and friend to many. 

Gerry was born in Washington DC, spent his formative years in Cincinnati, OH, and then finally in Larchmont, NY. Gerry was the athlete of the family, playing football in his youth. He graduated from Iona College in 1967. As he began his career as a Human Resources Executive, Gerry lived in Ridgefield, Connecticut where he spent numerous evenings and weekends watching his sons, Matthew and James, on the soccer field and hockey rink. Gerry prided himself in never missing a match or a game.

He met his future adoring wife, Terry, through a work event when they both worked for Treasure Chest Advertising. This is when "Terry and Gerry's Great Adventure" began and they were both transferred to Illinois 31 years ago. The couple moved to Glen Ellyn in 1994, and married on the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii in 1995. They were blessed with Emily Rose in 1997 and began to meet friends that would become their "Glen Ellyn Family" who have been the center of many laughs and incredible memories over the years. Gerry spent countless hours cheering Emily on in all of her activities but he fell in love with the sport of volleyball and made sure he never missed a game during her high school and college careers. 

In 2006, Gerry began his own business, HR Colleagues, which provided him with the opportunity to share his immense experience and skill with several local and national organizations. 

Gerry enjoyed his years golfing, fishing, boating, listening to live music, and having fun. His favorite pastime was supporting all of his children and grandchildren in the sports and activities they loved. Gerry was extremely proud of all of his children and grandchildren and everything they have accomplished.

Gerry was happiest when he was surrounded by his friends and family. Gerry made sure that everyone felt the same level of care and love that he received. All those that met Gerry are left with amazing memories, years of laughter, and unending love. He will be forever remembered by those who he loved dearly.

Our family is so thankful for all the memories, never-ending laughter and unconditional love Gerry provided. We are not ready for the adventure to end but know his memory will live within all of us. We are confident we will see Gerry, dad, and grandpa in every moment and milestone in the future. We take comfort that he is now resting peacefully and that he will always be with us.

The funeral and visitation will be held at St. Petronille Catholic Church in Glen Ellyn, Illinois on Saturday December 20, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral immediately following at 11:00 a.m.

Gerry refused to let his Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis slow him down, he was passionate about attending Parkinson's exercise classes that were provided through the YMCA. With that in mind the family has chosen to honor Gerry by seeking donations, in lieu of flowers, to the Parkinson’s Program through B.R. Ryall YMCA in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. All donations will be used to ensure the program continues to improve the lives of the individuals and families battling Parkinson’s Disease. Donations will be collected at St. Petronille Catholic Church on the day of the service. Donations may also be sent directly to the YMCA at https://www.brryallymca.org/donate/. Please include a message about Gerry and the Parkinson’s program with all online donations.

Visitation: December 20, 2025 at 10:00am - St. Petronille Catholic Church, Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Funeral: December 20, 2025 at 11:00am - St. Petronille Catholic Church, Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, Illinois