NORWICH – Well-accomplished business and family man, Spencer Joseph McLaughlin, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 in Norwich, surrounded by his loving family. 
Spencer was born March 12, 1932 in Waterville, the son of the late Clifford J. and Ethel M. Silver McLaughlin. A long time resident of Waterville, Spencer married Sandra Ann Wittenbeck on August 6, 1960, where they resided until moving to Norwich in 1986. Spencer’s business career began with the assistance of his father and the acquisition and operation of several movie theatres in the Waterville area. Spencer, along with his father and brother Clifford, began a family business in 1955 that eventually became known as McLaughlin’s Department Store. Dedicated to his family-run business, Spencer ran several locations in the Upstate New York area until his retirement in 1997. Spencer was an avid sports fan and loved working outdoors; he was frequently seen outdoors caring for his lawn and gardens.
In addition to his parents, his sisters Arlene McLaughlin and Betty Doyle and brother-in-laws Edward Doyle and Butch Wittenbeck predeceased Spencer. Spencer is survived by his wife Sandra (Wittenbeck) McLaughlin; his three son’s, Mark McLaughlin, Scott (Anna) McLaughlin and David (Annemarie) McLaughlin; two sisters, Jeannette (Robert) McCredy and Joan (Edward) Stephenson; brother, Clifford (Joan) McLaughlin Jr.; sister-in-law, Joan Wittenbeck; special niece, Cindy Supinski; five grandchildren, Megan, Casey, Michael, Spencer and Ryan; and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 1 at 10 a.m. at St. Bernard's Church, 199 Stafford Ave., Waterville.  Interment will be in St. Bernard's Cemetery.  Calling hours for Spencer will be held on Sunday, May 31 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Kloster-Northrop & Bentz Funeral Home, 210 E. Main St., Waterville.  
A special thank you is extended to the staff at The Pearl & Everett Gilmour Health Care Facility, Norwich, the Harding Nursing Home, Waterville, and Claire Bridge of Clinton for taking such good care of Spencer.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that a contribution be made in Spencer’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association of CNY, 441 W. Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, NY 13204. 
Online condolences to www.bentzfuneralhomes.com.