Obituary of Donald B. McLaughlin

Donald McLaughlin, 70, of Newark, New Jersey, passed away on Memorial Day May 30th, 2022. Donald was born February 29th, 1952, on a leap year, in the district of Connors, in the parish of St. Catherine, Jamaica, West Indies to Rita Anderson and Roy McLaughlin. Donald attended Ginger Ridge Primary school from which he graduated at a High School level. Donald had a passion for the arts and loved to draw. Donald had the opportunity to attend a School of the Arts in Jamaica, but he was more passionate about cars and autobuses. Shortly after graduation from High School, he moved to the city of Montego Bay, Jamaica, and under the supervision of his father, he obtained his driver's license at the age of 18 and learned how to drive. Donald became the primary bus driver on a popular daily route from Montego Bay to Port Antonio with a bus company known as "Honey Bee" owned by his father. After years of driving buses for locals and tourists, he decided to spread his wings. So, he migrated to New Jersey in 1979, where he worked diligently at Bennett Heat Treating for over 35 years until he retired. Donald was a non-complainer with a generous heart of gold, never hesitating to help others in need. He lived a simple and humble life. He loved cars, technology, and music. He would frequently play different genres of music but loved reggae and country music the most. Donald loved sports, collecting watches, and spending time with his family and friends. Donald was a free spirit, with jokes that rolled off his tongue naturally. There was never a dull moment in his presence. Donald was a man of few words, but his tender heart and innocence radiated through his good deeds and charm. Donald is survived by a loving family: His ex-wife Hyacinth; daughters Karen and Kerri-Ann; granddaughter Sahai; his sisters Dawn, Sharon, Yvonne, and Cynthia; stepsisters Joy and Sharna; his brother Fitzalbert; nephews, nieces, aunts, and an uncle. Donald will be greatly missed by his loved ones. May his soul rest in peace and light Perpetually shine on him.