[3] McLaughlin graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Revere, Massachusetts, Bridgton Academy, and Bates College.

[2] He served in the United States Navy during World War II and after his discharge became a Chelsea police officer.

He left law enforcement to start a food brokerage business.

[4] In 1953, McLaughlin ran for public office for the first time and was the top vote-getter in the Chelsea alderman-at-large race.

[5][6] In 1962, McLaughlin was an unsuccessful candidate for the 1st Suffolk district seat in the Massachusetts Senate.