Our History
We have 126 years of funeral service history in the Wyoming Valley. A family history in caring for guest families from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession dedicated to superior guest family service, have the highest integrity, and offer quality and value to them.
When we sit down with a guest family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. We offer a wide variety of services and products, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions. Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits your needs now, and in the future. Guest families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because, in coming to us, they have done their best to honor their loved one.
In 1898, the United States was at war with Spain, New York City's five boroughs were merged, neon was discovered, the first automobile was sold, and, while much less significant, M.J. McLaughlin began operating as an Undertaker in Wilkes-Barre. He quickly became a leader in the profession and provided first-class service to guest families who called upon him in their time of need.
In the first year of operation, M.J. McLaughlin occupied three locations in the first two blocks of East Northampton Street. On December 17, 1899, he leased the building immediately north of the Church of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception on South Washington Street. This location was remodeled and expanded three times in the following decades to meet the demands of the growing business. He introduced innovations such as the first automobile hearse in the Wyoming Valley to the public in this period.
His sons, Michael J. and Robert J. joined him as funeral directors. M.J. McLaughlin Company was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1928. Soon after that, in 1935, they opened the first purpose-built funeral service facility in the area. It remains our principal location today. Over the years, they operated branch offices in the East End section of Wilkes-Barre, Ashley, and Kingston.
Succeeding generations have maintained that spirit of ingenuity established by our founder over many years. Our needs have changed with the needs of our guest families, especially over the past twenty years, as technology has become an integral part of our guest family services.
Today, we can create events with facets that didn't exist just a few short years ago. Our fourth generation of family ownership and operation is committed to acquiring and maintaining the finest in technological advances related to funeral service. This commitment allows us to provide our guest families with unsurpassed service, incomparable facilities, current first-class professional vehicles, and a virtually unlimited number of customizable options for their life celebration events. Thus creating the best value in funeral service in the area.
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