Harry James Laughy Sr., 81

NORTHFIELD — Harry J. Laughy Sr., 81, of 50 Elm Street in Northfield, died Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at the Concord Hospital after a period of failing health. He was born in Franklin on March 25, 1923, son of the late James and Verona (Jackson) Laughy. Harry lived in the Franklin-Tilton areas for several years before moving to Northfield 42 years ago.

Harry worked as a pattern maker for Samuel-Eastman Company in East Concord for over 37 years, the longest employee hire there. He later owned Northfield Pattern Works and worked as a self-employed pattern maker.

He was a lifetime member of the Sunset Mountain Fish and Game Club in Canterbury, having served as president for over 20 years; the National Rifle Association; and former member of the Loyal Order of Moose.

A member of the Tilton-Northfield Rotary Club for over 26 years, Harry was a Paul Harris Fellow. He had great interest in the area youth and was active with the Fishing Derby the Rotary held each year. He was named Citizen of the Year during Old Home Day in Northfield. The Tilton-Northfield Rotary Club recently dedicated a fishing pier that the club is donating to the Tilton Riverfront Park to Harry and longtime friend and Rotarian Frank Tibbetts.

For many years Harry provided rebuilt old bikes from spare parts for the area youth to ride. He enjoyed yard sales, hunting, fishing, gardening and mechanics.

He was predeceased by a brother, Harold Laughy; and by a sister, Dorothy Tibbetts. His family includes his wife of 42 years, Sandra (Cole) Laughy of Northfield; three sons, Harry J. Laughy Jr. of Fairfax, Vt., Michael H. Laughy of San Antonio, Texas, and Dean E. Laughy of Franklin; two daughters, Judith J. Lauren of Andover and Karen L. Caveney of Sanbornton; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Helen Sapp of Quartzsite, Ariz., Shirley Gignac of Lynnfield, Mass., Jean Paquette of Franklin, and Eileen Champoux of Ehrenberg, Ariz.; two brothers, James Laughy III of Sanbornton, and Alan Laughy of Andover; and nieces and nephews.

Friends and relatives are invited to participate in a celebration of Harry’s life on Monday, December 27 at 6:00 p.m., using the lower west entrance of the Tilton-Northfield United Methodist Church, West Main St. in Tilton. A reception will follow.

The William F. Smart Sr. Memorial Home of Tilton is assisting the family with arrangements.

The family suggests that contributions be made in Harry’s name to the T-N Rotary Club Fishing Derby Fund, C/O Bill Lawrence, 270 Main St., Tilton, NH 03276.