Harold A. MacLaughlin, age 89, passed away on November 24, 2015.

Harold graduated from Milton High School in 1946, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering Technology from the University of Massachusetts in Lowell.  His last employment was with the Massachusetts Department of Public Works from 1970 to 1992, when he retired as Senior Civil Engineering Draftsman.  He became a Mason in 1978, and was a member of the Macedonian Lodge in Milton, then Quincy, MA, and later joined the Taleb Grotto, a Masonic organization.  He was a member of the Hough’s Neck Congregational Church in Quincy.  For most of his life he resided in Milton; since 1999 he lived at the Masonic Health Center in Charlton, MA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Alda MacLaughlin, and by his wife of 44 years, Ruth MacLaughlin.  He is survived by his brother, Thomas (Joan) MacLaughlin, and his many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Harold’s many interests included photography and music.  He was a gentle man, generous to a fault, who never spoke an unkind word.  He made friends easily, and was loved by all who knew him.  He quickly adopted the Masonic Health Center as his new home, and was very happy there.  He always had compliments and kind words for the staff.  The nurse practitioner who served him in his final weeks described him as “sweet, gentle, kind.”

A celebration of his life will be held at the Dolan and Chapman Funeral Home, 5 Canton Avenue, MILTON VILLAGE, Monday December 7 at 12 Noon, followed by interment at Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree, MA.

In lieu of flowers, his family kindly asks that donations be made to the Masonic Health Center, P.O. Box 1000, Charlton, MA 01507.