Obituary of Terry M. McLaughlin

His life well lived, ended peacefully on Saturday, November 28, 2015, at St. Joseph's Hospital after a long illness, at the age of 63. He is survived by his wife Ellen Stowell McLaughlin; daughter Mikaela; grandson Austin Monaco; granddaughter Toni Primmer; sisters, Jean (Jeff Barron), Barb (Tom Woloson); brothers, Richard (Wendy), Michael "Mik" (with Carey); nephews, Jason, Joseph, Jeremy; great-nephew Brogan; nieces, Nicole and Courtney; uncles, Bob Anderson, Bud (Pat) McLaughlin; aunts, Mae McLaughlin, Nancy Vallele; and dozens of cousins. Terry was a very proud man. He was proudest of being the son of the late Edward and Janice McConnel McLaughlin and of being the brother of his sisters and brothers. Most of all he was so very proud of being a McLaughlin descending from the Hornby Clan. Terry graduated from Elmira Southside High School in 1970…."Go Green Hornets". He was selected as the 1970 WENY Sports Award Defensive Soccer Player for the Elmira area schools. He felt blessed to be what we consider a natural athlete. Several years later, Terry would go on to compete in the Decathlon, 10 track and field events held 5 events a day over two consecutive days. As a Decathlete he held two NY titles, one National Title, finished third in one International Competition and fourth in another. After high school Terry volunteered for the military draft during the Vietnam War. He was extremely proud to have been a paratrooper with the Army's 82nd Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. Terry was also honored to have been one of the founders of the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 803, as well as the Vietnam War Museum, in Elmira. As a Correction Officer Terry worked at the Mattewan Criminally Insane Facility, many years at the Attica Correctional Facility and retired from the Elmira Correctional Facility. Terry also served as an Unarmed Defensive Tactics Instructor for NYS Corrections. He taught this at the Albany Training Academy for several sessions and continued to teach it as in service training at Attica and ECF – "The Hill". He looked forward to going to work every day and loved being a Correction Officer, enjoying the special bonds and friendships that arose. Terry loved public service both as a Correction Officer as well as a many time elected Elmira City Councilman representing the city's Fourth District, the old 8th Ward. He served as Deputy Mayor for 10 consecutive years, the longest stretch in the history of the City of Elmira. Terry was very proud of his leadership roles in the rebirth of Eldridge Park, the old Trinity Foundry site becoming the industrial hub it now is at the corner of Woodlawn & College Aves., the downtown Arena, the Popcorn Truck location at Wisner Park and the monument changes at the park, leading the charge to create the Elmira Animal Shelter, helping to make the city a much safer place by almost single handedly leading the way to create a truck route in the city and a truck route ordinance, and making many residential neighborhoods in the city much safer. Terry was never afraid to take a stand against wrong and was always willing to stand on that stand. To say he was somewhat unique would be a huge understatement. Terry also served a term as a County Legislator representing the 9th District. Terry loved the times that his wife Ellen and their dogs shared in the Adirondacks on vacation. He treasured the times he and his brother Mik spent there hunting and surviving (lol) at Ponderosa Pine Camp, Fish Rock Camp Tree Camp and most of all Cave Camp….as well as the great times fishing for steelhead. Terry believed that the treasures of life shouldn't be measured in monetary value, but by the many memories & thrills of which he had so many shared with family and friends alike. Terry felt so "Humbled and honored that God and Jesus were a part of his life. Yes, they do exist, believe it and trust that belief." "Remember, don't just talk the talk, but, more importantly, you must be willing to walk the talk." Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Interment, with committal prayers and military honors will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Terry's family sends a special thank you to the staff at St. Joseph's Hospital for the wonderful care given to Terry. Those wishing may remember Terry with a donation to either, The Elmira Animal Shelter, 842 Linden Place, Elmira NY 14901 or Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 803, 1200 Davis Street, Elmira NY 14901.