Gerald M. “Gerry” McLaughlin, CPD, 79, died after a long illness on July 16, 2024. He was the son of Irish immigrants from County Mayo, Eleanore and John McLaughlin. His father died when he was five and he developed a special love for his predeceased siblings, Mary (Dan) Evans, who became a second mother to him, and John (Ann) McLaughlin (CPD). As a child of “the family without a father” he was hard working and developed a wide variety of skills to contribute to the household.
This status affected him deeply and shaped his life-long work ethic and compassion. He grew up in Lincoln Square where he attended St. Matthias Grade School and maintained life-long friendships, St. George High School, and later received undergraduate and graduate degrees from Lewis University. He was drafted into the US Army and served in Okinawa from 1963-65 attaining distinction as a Nike Missile Sharpshooter.He joined the Chicago Police Department (CPD) in 1970 with assignments including Wood Street, Community Services, Operational Services, Office of the Superintendent, Austin, Foster, Town Hall, and O’Hare Airport, Internal Affairs and Auditing. He provided bodyguard services to Mayor Jane Byrne during her campaign and received many departmental commendations.
He was elected to the Chicago City Council as Alderman of the 45th Ward from 1983-87 and was a member of the infamous “Chicago 29.” He was proud of his community service accomplishments which included facilitation of the establishment of the Irish American Heritage Center and the public works hiring order boosting employment of minorities.
On the City Council he served as Chairman of the Landmarks and Preservation Committee and helped to save the Chicago Theatre from demolition, and as Vice-Chair of the Police and Fire Committee he successfully fought to maintain personnel at maximum strength, and to increase the number of city ambulances. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1990 and retired from the CPD in 2001, moving to the position of the Manager of Professional Standards for the Schaumberg Police Department.
Gerald’s most important role was husband to his wife of 45 years, Beverly Weaver McLaughlin, father to Megan (Christopher) McLaughlin Lambert, and grandfather to George Anthony Lambert, who brought him great joy. Through Megan he expanded his involvement into the world of Irish dance and music with travel to Ireland to visit family, became an avid tailgater at Notre Dame, and mentored her to proficiency in golf. Through these activities he developed many cherished friendships and came to love her Trinity Academy and college friends as his own. Gerald is predeceased by his daughter Lisa Kerry McLaughlin. He is survived by his nieces and nephews Dan Evans, Michael (Colleen) Evans and their children Samantha, Matthew and Ryan, Kathleen Evans, John McLaughlin and his children Christian and Elianna, and his faithful dog, Corby.
Visitation from 3pm-8pm on Sunday, July 21st at Smith-Corcoran Chicago Funeral Home, 6150 N Cicero Ave., Chicago IL 60646 and Mass on Monday, July 22nd at 2pm at Old St. Patrick’s Church, 700 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60661.
You can view a live-stream of the mass here. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be directed to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation 1407 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607. More info 773-736-3833 or www.smithcorcoran.com.
Chicago Police Officer (Retired) Gerald M McLaughlin Passes
