Joseph “Joe” Laughney

Joseph Anthony Laughney (Joe) of Endicott, NY, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and dearest friend – died in his home on October 6, 2015 at 79 years of age. He is predeceased by his father John, mother Margaret, brother Jack, and sisters Aileen and Maureen. He is survived by his wife Eleanor (Rusty), his children: Sharon and David Belcher of Endicott NY, Joseph and Vickie Laughney of Whitingham VT, Maureen and William Kovarik of Flower Mound TX, and George Laughney and Andrew Wang of New York NY; his six grandchildren: Rachel Hagerman of Binghamton NY, Joseph and Ashley Laughney of New York NY, Alicia Froment of Cumberland RI, and Nicole and Cody Kovarik of Flower Mound TX; and his great granddaughter Abigail Hagerman of Binghamton, NY; all in whom he took great pride. Joe enjoyed serving his community as a Member, Vice Chair and Chair (twice) of the Broome County Republican Committee, as a Member of the Republican State Committee, as a Delegate to the Republican 6th District Judicial Convention and the Republican National Convention (twice), as a staffer for Member of Assembly Richard H. Miller, as the Deputy Commissioner of the Broome County Board of Elections, and as the Superintendent of the Binghamton State Office Building. He bravely served his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953-1956, and was a Korean War Veteran. Joe proudly acknowledged the service of veterans in his community, who were especially close to his heart. He worked to install plaques for local recipients of the Medal of Honor at the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena in Broome County, where he served on the Board of Directors. He was also a devoted member of the John W. Thurston Detachment of the Marine Corps League, the Korean War Veterans of the Southern Tier, and the American Legion. He frequently volunteered with the Broome County Veterans Memorial Association and attended hundreds of veterans’ funerals as a member of the Honor Guard.  He was an avid storyteller, recounting many past exploits during his lifetime with his children and grandchildren. Joe loved, and was deeply loved by, his family and community. He was a charismatic and tough soul, who stood fervently for his beliefs and his people. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral Services will be held Monday 10 am from the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Ambrose Church at 10:30 am. Entombment will be in Riverhurst Cemetery, Endicott. The family will receive friends at the Allen memorial Home Sunday from 2-5 pm. Donations may be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.