Fr. Joseph McLaughlin

Fr. Joseph McLaughlin passed away peacefully at Mesilla Valley Hospice in Las Cruces, NM on January 08, 2026.

Fr. Joe was born in Evanston, IL, to Joseph F. and Mildred (Barling) McLaughlin on October 12, 1943. He attended St. Bernard School in Pittsburgh and then St. Mary’s Manor in Penndel PA. After novitiate in Rhinebeck, NY, he professed vows in the Society of Mary on September 12, 1964. Joe earned a B.A. in philosophy at Catholic University and a M.A. in theology from St. Paul College in Washington, DC. He was ordained to the priesthood at St. Thomas More Church in Bethel Park, PA, on June 3, 1972.

Fr. Joe taught at Marist School in Atlanta, GA, and was on the formation staff at Marist Collegiate House, Divine Word Seminary in Bordentown, NJ and Marist Novitiate in Washington. He was Vocation Director for two years. He served as pastor of St. Francis Xavier Church in Brunswick, GA, St. Joseph Church in Paulina, LA, Our Lady of Victories Church in Boston, MA, and Holy Rosary Parish in Buckhannon, WV.

Fr. Joe was able to use his language skills and his deep concern for those on the margins of society as a member of a Marist International Project in San Jose, CA, and for eleven years as a member of the Marist District of Asia, doing missionary work in the Philippines. As a senior Marist Fr. Joe worked with migrants and homeless people in Las Cruces, NM and El Paso, TX. He was a true servant of God’s people who was known for his faith, humility, gentle approach and ready smile.

Father Joe is survived by his three siblings: Tom McLaughlin of Vienna, VA, Eileen Suehr of Gainesville, VA, and John McLaughlin of Alexandria, VA. Joe was preceded in death by his sister Trudy Snee from Simi Valley, CA, and his Brother William Mclaughlin of Vineland, New Jersey.

A visitation will be on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, starting at 7pm with a Prayer Vigil to follow at 9pm at St. Albert the Great Newman Center, 2615 South Solano. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated the next day at 10am. Fr. Joe will then be taken to Washington, DC for a Funeral Mass and interment at the Marist plot of Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Contributions can be made in Fr. McLaughlin’s memory to the Marist Mission Fund, 698 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02215.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapel and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.”

For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com