Michael Russell McLaughlin (Mike) of Fairport, NY passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025 after battling multiple illnesses, related infections, and progressively declining health for the last several years. He was 75 years old.
Born in Plainwell, Michigan and growing up in Michigan and Indiana, Mike was a lifelong sports enthusiast and competed throughout his youth and adolescence. He lettered in football, basketball, and baseball, and was the team captain for each of those during both his junior and senior years. He attended college at Northwood University, from which he graduated in 1972. Throughout his time there, he continued playing all three sports.
During the late 70s and early 80s, Mike played basketball and softball through Perinton Parks and Recreation and he loved every minute of it. For him, autumn and winter Sundays were dedicated to the NFL, as football was always his first love. While he did root for the Buffalo Bills, the Detroit Lions was always his favorite team.
As a young man, Mike raced late model stock cars and re-engaged in racing later in life racing vintage modifieds. He raced at Spencer Speedway and Canandaigua Speedway for many years. Additionally, he traveled on weekends for ten years working as a NASCAR official while still operating his own company during the week.
Mike’s interest in cars was not limited to auto racing. He initially worked in Michigan as a field sales rep in the auto parts distribution industry, which eventually relocated him to Rochester where he met his former wife, Mary Jane. He remained involved in the auto industry as a salesman for a few years during the 1970s. Mike was also fond of antique and vintage automobiles, having owned, restored, and shown several during his lifetime. As well, he was an avid collector of HESS Trucks and looked forward to receiving the newest release each Christmas from his granddaughters.
In 1979, Mike started his company, McLaughlin’s Lawn and Landscape. At its peak, it was one of the larger and most respected lawn care companies in Rochester, with many teams maintaining dozens of commercial and residential properties around the area. Mike was always a stickler for detail and took great care to ensure that things were done right for his customers. He loved the personal satisfaction of seeing the daily before-and-after transformations at the properties his company serviced.
Mike was always a morning person and could often be heard telling his children and grandchildren that sleeping in was a waste of the day. He would begin each day by meeting with friends or family for breakfast and read the newspaper every day from front to back. Some of his favorite breakfast spots included Fairport restaurants, Durf’s and Riki’s.
Mike is survived by his two children, Mitchell McLaughlin and Meaghan (Anthony) Piccarreto; his four step-children, Michael (Lisa) Morrow, Michele (Alex) Simon, Melissa Wallace, Matthew Morrow; his former wife, Mary Jane McLaughlin; his grandchildren, Justin (Shae) Morrow, Blayke Morrow, Bethany (Daniel) Coleman, Sean (Maggie) Wallace, Nathan Morrow, Nicole Morrow, Isabella Simon, Addison Wallace, Alexandra Simon, Tessa Piccarreto, Noelle Simon, Corrina Piccarreto, Adlee McLaughlin, and Marra Piccarreto; his great-grandchildren, Eli Coleman, Mia Morrow, Isla Coleman, and Ronan Wallace; and his siblings, Linda (Ronald) Langston, Ronald (Cindi) McLaughlin, and Patricia McLaughlin.
Mike was predeceased by his parents, William and Nadine McLaughlin (Hartford, MI); his partner of many years, Debbie Sherman; and his son-in-law, Michael Wallace (Penfield, NY).
Mike was exceedingly proud of his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Until his health challenges became oppressive, he would spend as much time as possible supporting them in their interests and pursuits. His family will remember him as a man whose life was characterized by a passionate personality, pride in his family’s achievements, and the determination to live on his own terms.
In Memorial:
A memorial service is being held at the First Baptist Church of Penfield, located at 1862 Penfield Road, on Saturday, March 29th, at 2:00pm. Mike’s family will hold a gathering following the service and would love for their extended family and friends to join them in remembrance.
The family extends sincere gratitude to the friends who stood by Mike and stayed connected during difficult times; please know that your kindness and support are deeply appreciated.
7 responses to “McLaughlin, Mike R.”
Mike was a strict but caring step father to my children Mike, Michele, Melissa and Matt Morrow. We always maintained an amacable team attitude when it came to their value system and financial wellbeing over many years. As a result they have become adults I am so very proud of.
The past few years have been difficult for Mike and all those close to him. May he finally rest in eternal peace.
Was so glad I was able to get out to Rochester to see our older brother, Mike, in October. It was so good to see him and we were able to reminisce and have good conversation. It was hard to leave. Mike would come to Michigan to see his three siblings once or twice a year until he couldn’t make the trip anymore. He would call us every holiday and in between. Love you big brother and you are now reunited with mom and dad.❤️❤️❤️❤️
Mike was a good friend to my whole family- always very interested in all sports my kids played ; genuinely!
Hard to believe we won’t see him , riding through the neighborhood on his mower , checking in on everyone . He loved this street ; he is missed .
Rest in peace friend. Go Tigers .The Riorden’s
Mike (Mr .McLaughlin to me at the time) gave me my first job, way back, cutting grass for McLaughlin Landscape. I remember the first time he paid me, ringing the doorbell at my parents house on Selbourne Chase and handing me a wad of cash. I thought I was rich. Those were good days. Hearing this news brought back memories, Beacon Hills, brush painting one of the trucks, going to motocross races, sleep overs at boxwood drive…on and on
Mike was a great man who I respected a lot. Our relationship goes all the way back to 1980. It was always a pleasure when I would see Mike and I always enjoyed our conversation. He will be missed
Mike was a good friend I new mike through business he would stop and say hi RIP
I attended the service today. It was beautifully simple..just as he would have liked it. I listened to his families letters to him…a part of Mike I didn’t really know. Pop..Pop…was mentioned often. When the pastor asked if anyone wants to speak I sat on the pew frozen and unprepared. So I’ll tell you about The Pop..Pop you know..whom I know in a different way.. I know him from his history here in my restaurant. I also know he was a hard working lawn mowing snow plowing man. His presence at Durfs was a staple in our day to day routine. When his legs no longer supported him to get into the restaurant we watched for his pickup truck to assist him. Initially it was just as he entered the door but eventually we met him in the parking lot to help him get into my restaurant at a table. You may not know but a piece of him lives on my farm. He sold me a zero turn mower..delivered with lessons from him. So his life will always be remembered…even as I mow my 15 acres..much love to your family