Matthew McLaughlin passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2020, one day shy of his 30th birthday, with his parents at his side.
Matt was the son of Brian and Tamara McLaughlin of West Milford, N.J.
A 2008 graduate of Weset Milford High School, Matt went on to earn degrees at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
He was a very gifted musician, winning the New Jersey Governor’s Award for the Arts in 2008.
He traveled extensively as a musician, playing concert tours of the USA and Asia, touring with the American Wind Symphony Orchestra, as well as spending a year living in Europe as he performed with the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Matt played the French horn and the piano, and wrote many works and arrangements for bands, orchestras and chamber ensembles.
He is survived by his parents and by brother Samuel (wife Jordan), sister Laura and brother Benjamin, as well as ten cousins, 12 aunts and uncles and three grandparents.
Matt was known for his quick wit, infectious sense of humor and his fierce loyalty to his friends. He brightened the lives of everyone around him and was keenly interested in the welfare of others.
He was always up for an adventure and loved to play jokes on family and friends. He loved spending time with his family, and enjoyed playing with his siblings more than anything else.
He enjoyed many outdoor adventures, and was particularly interested in hiking, camping, and mountaineering.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, at Living Word Church at 93 Lakeshore Drive, Hewitt, N.J.
In order to comply with COVID restrictions, visitation with the family will be scheduled through this link: https://matthewmclaughlinmemorial.com/.
A service for the immediate family will follow the visitation.
A video link of the service will be provided for those who wish to participate online.