Richard Lee McLaughlin II, 51, formerly of Mendota, Illinois, passed away in his home in Rhode Island on June 6, 2026

Richard was born on November 9, 1974 to Carol Robinson and Richard McLaughlin. Richard graduated from Mendota High School and attended IVCC, alongside his brother from another mother, Jose Delao. No degrees were achieved, but they did inspire the next generation of pranksters. Richard was known as 'Rich Dog'. He was funny, loving, and compassionate, possessing a great sense of humor. Richard loved his family and friends. He would have given you the shirt off his back, although it was probably already off so you could see his 24 inch pythons. Richard loved his nieces and nephews beyond words could describe. Richard was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bears and Bulls. As a young man, he was known to call his grandmother long distance to argue with her about the Orlando Magic.

Richard is survived by his parents, Carol Robinson and Richard McLaughlin, his brother Eric and Dianne McLaughlin of Rhode Island, his brother Travis McLaughlin of La Salle, Illinois; and his brother Justin and Tosha McLaughlin of Streator Illinois. He is also survived by four nieces and four nephews and many extended family and friends. Richard was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents as well as Pam Delao, whom he considered a second mom.

Richard left a lasting impression on everyone he met….RICH DOG will live on in hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him.

Visitation for Richard will be from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 noon on Saturday June 20, 2026, at the Horner-Merritt Funeral Home, 800 Monroe Street, in Mendota. Benediction service will start at 12 pm. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery in Mendota. Please visit www.horner-merritt.com to sign the online guest book.