Peter James McLaughlin, 70, of Branford, formerly of Madison, died Nov. 9 at Yale-New Haven Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Peter was born May 1, 1943 in New Haven to Thomas and Mary McLaughlin. He grew up in Hamden, and graduated from Hamden High School in 1962. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served in Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Following his discharge from the service, he returned to Connecticut and enrolled at the University of New Haven. After graduation he began work in the insurance industry, and in 1980 he started his own insurance practice, McLaughlin Associates, which he ran for the next 33 years.

In his life he wore many hats outside of his signature Irish cap. He was a successful businessman, but more importantly a loving father, grandfather, friend, mentor, and confidant, who carried the respect and admiration of the community and of all he touched. Giving back was a large part of Peter’s life and his charitable pursuits included serving as a coordinator for the Connecticut branch of Project Children, as a board member of the Town of Madison Zoning Board of Appeals, as a counsel member of St. Margaret’s Church Council, a long-standing member of the Madison Rotary Club, a contributor to the Madison Academy of Music, and a dedicated volunteer of Connecticut Hospice.

In addition, he was a football official for more than 45 years on both a high school and collegiate level, and off the field he served as a member of the New Haven Board of Directors for Football Officials. As a devoted father, he also took an active role in his children’s interests, following them to ball games and serving as a volunteer and coach for Madison Little League, Youth Basketball, and Youth Football. In his free time, he was an avid golfer, an amateur pianist, and a professional jokester.

He is survived by his four children, Tamara McLaughlin-Mitchell of Bristol, Thomas “Todd” McLaughlin of Essex, Courtney McLaughlin of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Justin McLaughlin of San Diego, California; two grandchildren, Alaina and Ella King; two sisters, Mary-Ellen Smith and Justine Landa; and four brothers, Thomas McLaughlin, Joseph McLaughlin, William McLaughlin, and Paul McLaughlin.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 16 at 9:30 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, 731 Main Street, Branford. Calling hours will be Friday, Nov. 15 from 5-8 p.m. at Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Road, Madison. Sign the online guest book at www.swanfuneralhomemadison.com.