Loughlin was born in Manchester, New Hampshire and graduated with an Artium Baccalaureus degree from Saint Anselm College in 1947 and received a Bachelor of Laws from Suffolk University Law School in 1951.

During World War II Loughlin served in the 80th Division of the United States Army under General George S. Patton from 1943 to 1946.

He served as a Judge Advocate (JAG) during the Korean War from 1951 to 1952, stationed at Fort Benning in Georgia.

[1] Loughlin died on March 7, 2007, in Manchester from congestive heart failure.

He was survived by his wife of 56 years, Margaret Gallagher Loughlin and seven children.