A memorial service will be Wednesday for John Kennedy McLaughlin Sr. of 6482 Stewart- Sharon Road, Brookfield, who went to be with the Lord Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015. He was 40. Mr. McLaughlin was born July 3, 1974, in Farrell, a son of William D. and Shelley (Schell) McLaughlin. He was a 1992 graduate of Sharon High School and attended the former Sawyer School, Pittsburgh, and Youngstown State University. John was employed by Ellwood Engineered Castings Co., Hubbard. He previously drove truck for Valley Piano and Organ, Hermitage, and Virostick Transfer Co., Sharon. As an athlete, John loved all types of sporting activities, particularly basketball. Throughout the years, he participated in many 3 on 3 basketball tournaments, including the Gus Macker, and years earlier won the prestigious Harmarville Hoops Classic. He was also an avid cyclist and completed the Appalachian Trail from Pittsburgh to Maryland this past summer. He had aspirations to hike and bike the entire trail. John served as a coach for Brookfield Little League and a basketball coach for Sharpsville Elementary School. He loved the outdoors, camping and animals, particularly his cat, Viktor. John was a very spiritual individual and had a strong faith in God. He was kind and mannerly to everyone and will be missed dearly by his family and friends who were very precious to him, especially his sons. Surviving are: two sons, John Kennedy McLaughlin, Jr. and Justin B. Kain, both Hubbard; his mother and father, Bill and Shelley McLaughlin, Brookfield; four sisters, Billie Lynn McLaughlin, San Diego; Angel McLaughlin, Masury; Annette McLaughlin, Hubbard; and Natalie May and her husband Shawn, Brookfield; a brother, William D. McLaughlin, Jr. and his companion, Greta Chomor, Sharon; his grandmother, Etta Schell, Masury; his girlfriend of 14 years, Evelyn Dunder, Hermitage; two nephews whom he cherished, Anthony and Dale May; a loving niece and goddaughter, Destiny May; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. John was preceded in death by an infant brother, James Leon McLaughlin; and grandparents, Leon Schell and James and Clara (Fornelli) McLaughlin. Calling hours: 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday (2-10-15) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Service: Memorial service at 1 p.m. Wednesday (2-11-15) in St Mary's Cemetery Chapel, Hermitage. Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.