Clifton McLaughlin; founded firm

Clifton Earle McLaughlin, 76, of Villanova, founder and president of Eastern Controls Inc., died of cancer Saturday, Jan. 8, at home.

In 1960, Mr. McLaughlin and a group of friends established Eastern Controls, a manufacturing representative for industrial controls and valves. In 1997 the firm expanded from its Wayne facility, purchasing a 35,000- square-foot industrial building and 15 acres in Edgemont.

In 2002, Mr. McLaughlin retired as president of the firm, which his son, Clifton Jr., now operates.

A native of Maine, Mr. McLaughlin grew up hunting and fishing, and helping his father farm and run a saw mill.

He received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a certificate in pulp and paper engineering from the University of Maine. He was a member of his college rifle team and Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.

Mr. McLaughlin served in the Army in Germany, where he met his future wife, Elke Schliephacke.

After his discharge, he was a salesman for Masoneilan, a control valve manufacturer. Masoneilan later became one of Eastern Controls' clients. He was active with the Instrument Society of America.

At 40, Mr. McLaughlin earned a pilot's license, and flew a Cessna P210 for business and pleasure until his late 60s.

He was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and Aronimink Golf Club.

He loved hunting, fishing, golf, travel, working on his antique cars, and spending time with friends and family, his son said.

He drove his 1958 Chevrolet Impala in Radnor's Memorial Day parade and was restoring a Model A Ford, his son said.

In addition to his wife of 45 years and son, Mr. McLaughlin is survived by a sister and a granddaughter.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 14, at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, 625 Montgomery Ave.

Donations may be made to Heartland Hospice, 460 Norristown Rd., Suite 101, Blue Bell, Pa. 19422.