A Lifetime of Fraternal Devotion

12/8/2010
The year 1933 saw the repeal of Prohibition in the United States, the continuation of the Great Depression, the start of construction on the Golden Gate Bridge, Adolph Hitler grabbing power in Germany, the premiere of King Kong, and FDR’s first fireside chat. Another item that occurred that year that you won’t find in history books, but that did lead to a lifetime of devoted fraternal service, was that John (Jack) A. McLoughlin Jr., a native of West Haven, Conn., became a member of San Salvador Council 1. That was the start of a remarkable 78 years of service to the Order until his passing on Dec. 3, 2010, at the age of 99.
Along with being a member of the Order, McLoughlin was an accountant at the Supreme Council office from 1941 until 1968 when he retired to take an administrative position at Quinnipiac College in Hamden, which was followed by a career at the Yale University Athletic Department. He served in the Coast Guard during World War II. He was predeceased by his wife Connie, and is survived by his three children and six grandchildren.
“Mr. McLoughlin’s experience stands as a true example of what it means to make membership in the Order an experience of a lifetime,” said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson. “His life also serves as an exemplary model of service to our Church and the community, something every Knight should strive toward.”
McLoughlin – who maintained his membership in Council 1 even after retiring to Arizona – was active with Ave Maria Council 9380 in Tucson, Ariz. Upon the occasion of his 75th anniversary as a Knight, the council (after finding that the years of active service pins did not go to that high of a level) had a pin especially designed for him.
“Jack moved to Tucson quite a few years ago, but kept his membership in San Salvador Council 1,” said former District Deputy Peter Karculias. “Up to the age of 95, Jack would be found out in front of the grocery store every year collecting money for people with intellectual disabilities campaign – all day long! Only when his health began to fail him and he had to use a wheelchair did he slow down. Still, he attended council functions as often as he could. His dedication and service to the Order and our Lord are an inspiration to us all.”