Robert G. McLaughlin, 81, of West Liberty died Thursday at Mercy Hospital.

Born Dec. 26, 1926, in Allegheny County, he was the son of George G. McLaughlin and Juel Madl McLaughlin.

He graduated from North Catholic High School in 1945. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps with the Occupation Force in Germany directly after WWII. He was an active member of St. Peter Parish in Slippery Rock and was a former member of Cursillo and Ultrea. He enjoyed gardening and reading.

He is survived by his only son, Christopher McLaughlin and his wife, Stacey of Slippery Rock; two grandchildren, Mackenzie and Hailey; his three sisters, Nancy Leidecker of El Cajon, Calif., Lory Freeauf of Mt. Troy, Pa., and Patsy Marshall of Bakerstown, Pa.; and his brother, David McLaughlin of Tacoma, Wash.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosalia R. Kaylor, whom he married May 5, 1951, and who died Nov. 29, 2001; a sister, Kathleen Patronie; and a brother, Gary McLaughlin.

He has donated his body to the PA Humanity Gifts Registry for medical science research.

<B>MCLAUGHLIN</B> — A memorial Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. today at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, Slippery Rock. A reception will follow in the church hall.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Vincent DePaul Society; 400 E. Locust St., Butler, PA 16001.