Bill Laughlin

BILL LAUGHLIN

Bill Laughlin, 77, passed away on November 10, 2021 following a period of declining health.  He was born in Carlsbad, New Mexico on October 20, 1944.  He was the son of the late Arline and William Laughlin.  On July 1, 1972, he married Patty Costa and they enjoyed 49 years of marriage.  Together, they had 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren and built a life of love and happiness for their family. 

A lifelong resident of the area, Bill grew up in Tippecanoe, OH.  The middle of 3 children, he and his sisters grew up enjoying time outdoors.  He loved hunting and fishing and playing sports, especially golf in his adult years.  As a Freshman in high school, he moved with his family to Uhrichsville, OH.  During high school, he was a member of the football, track and basketball teams for the Uhrichsville Tigers.  He graduated from Uhrichsville in 1962 and following graduation, he joined the United States Air Force.  He served with the Air Force in both Colorado and Hawaii from 1962-1966.  Following his service, he moved back to the area where he lived out the rest of his life.

In 1967, he met Patty Costa and in 1972, they were married.  Together, they had 2 children, Shelby and Leslie, and enjoyed watching their daughters grow up, play sports throughout high school and college and start families of their own.  His greatest joys in life were spending time with his children and being surrounded by his 4 grandchildren who affectionately called him Papaw.  He worked for Babcock and Wilcox in Barberton, Ohio for nearly 45 years as a Project Manager.  During his tenure, he had the opportunity to travel the world including China, Indonesia, Egypt and Canada which he truly enjoyed and always brought back souvenirs for his children to enjoy.  To his family and those who knew him, Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be missed immensely. 

He is survived by his wife Patty of their home in Dennison, his children Shelby (Matt) Sweeney of Sparta, NJ and Leslie (Doug) Besozzi of New Philadelphia, OH.  He also has 4 grandchildren whom he adored…Brooks and Brynn Besozzi of New Philadelphia, Ohio and Madison and Kieran Sweeney of Sparta, NJ.  He will be missed by his sister Marty Chewning of Merritt Island, FL, his sisters-in -law Sandy (Phill) Ashkettle of Bonita Springs, FL and Cindy (Jim) Jursik of Dennison, OH.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. 

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Arline and William Laughlin, his sister Carolyn (Sue) Stafford and his brother-in-law James Chewning. 

A memorial service celebrating Bill’s life, officiated by Pastor Kory Rowland, will be held on Monday, November 15 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm with a funeral service immediately following at Uhrich-Hostettler English Funeral Home, Inc. in Uhrichsville, OH.  In lieu of flowers, please honor Bill by giving to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at jdrf.com.

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