Zachary Francis McLaughlin

He was born July 22, 1991, in Warren, a son to George and Karen (O’Dea) McLaughlin, who survive him of Youngsville.

In addition to his parents, Zach is survived by his sister, Ashley McLaughlin and her companion, Nicholas Verno of Carnegie, Pa.; his companion, Sami McAulay and her daughter, Arielle Darling; his maternal grandmother, Patricia O’Dea of Warren; his uncle and Godfather, Edward (Patti) McLaughlin of Gulfport, Miss.; an aunt, Maureen Berg of Warren, an aunt and Godmother, Kathleen (Kevin) O’Dea-Wiles of Warren, an aunt, Colleen McLaughlin of North Carolina; his cousins: Lindsey and Alexander Berg, Crystal McCune and Michael McLaughlin, Kristen and Adrian McLaughlin; as well as several other close family members.

Zach was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Don M. McLaughlin Sr. and Fannie Louise McLaughlin-Tipton; his paternal stepgrandfather, Alvin S. Tipton; his maternal grandfather, George Francis O’Dea; his maternal step-grandfather, Dr. Nestor Kohut; two uncles: Don M. McLaughlin Jr. and Robert N. McLaughlin; as well as his lifelong best friend, Jeremy Saporito.

Zach grew up in Youngsville, Pa., and graduated from Youngsville High School in 2009. When he wasn’t being the class clown, he loved making people laugh, he was involved in football, track and field, baseball, marching band and other school organizations. Zach dedicated over 10 years to the Boy Scout Troop 22 and was awarded his Ea-gle Scout Award in 2009, during which he made life-long friends and memories at the Irvine Presbyterian Church, where he was a member. During his high school years, Zach became certified in welding after completing the three-year program at the Warren County Career Center. After graduation, Zach studied power sport technology at Power Sport Institute in Cleveland, Ohio. After obtaining his degree, Zach most recently worked as a welder fabricator at Phoenix Metals in Jamestown, N.Y., but shared his skills at The Galley Restaurant, Matco Tools, Great Lakes Manufacturing, Beacon Light, P. Willz Customz and others over the years.

Zach was a loving son, brother, friend, companion, and “bonus dad” to Arielle. Zach lived for spending time with his beloved friends and family and just about any-thing with wheels that goes fast. He was truly one-of-a-kind and spent most of his free time riding and working on motorcycles and four-wheelers with friends. In addition to camp-ing, listening to music, and making people smile. Zach recently started racing his four-wheeler at Maple Shade MX in Sugar Grove, Pa.. He lived by the motto “Live Life Wide Open” after the tragic loss of his lifelong best friend, Jeremy Saporito. He lived his short life to the ful-lest and encouraged others to do the same by following their dreams. No matter where Zach went, you could count on people being brought together and having a great time. He had the most contagious smile and brought a vibrant, joyful presence into every room he entered. He will be deeply missed by many people within the community and the immense amount of peo-ple he has touched during his life. Zach’s many friends and family will miss his zest for life and his deep care for the people around him and, of course, his one-in-a-mil-lion smile.

Family and friends will be invited to call on Thurs-day, Oct. 1, at the Youngsville Free Methodist Church, 179 Davis St., Youngsville, PA 16371, from 4-7 p.m. and Friday, from 10-11 a.m. at which time a funeral service will be held there with the Rev. Rick Hamrick, pas-tor, officiating. Burial will be in the Irvine Presbyterian Cemetery. A Boy Scout Vesper service will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday evening.

Memorial donations may be made to the Boy Scout Troop 22, c/o Barb Mourer, 28500 Route 6, P.O. Box 300, Youngsville, PA 16371.

The Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Youngsville, have been entrusted with all arrangements.

Condolences to the family may be made at www. nelsonfuneralhome.net.