Taylor Schools Alumni Association

Taylor Center Class of ‘76 Reunion Info

Hello classmates

**Just 5 days left to get your tickets!!**

Final details are almost in and one detail missing… is you!!!

The event is being held at the Lakes of Taylor Banquet Center on Northline Rd, Taylor, from 6-10 PM, 24 October. Dress is casual.

Folks attending, if you haven’t already, please fill out your biography so we can include a couple paragraphs in our program. The link is https://76tcrams50threunion.org/biography

Get event tickets at https://76tcrams50threunion.org

We also have a golf event scheduled for 9am on 23 October at Lakes of Taylor being coordinated by Ray Hatcher.

Let us know if you need anything to make the event special for you!

Tour TC Class of 76 Reunion Committee

Taylor Center High School Class of '76 Reunion | Taylor Center High School Class of '76 50th Reunion Join us in celebrating five decades of memories with Taylor Center High School Class of '76. Stay updated on reunion details, stories, and connect with classmates for an unforgettable high school reunion experience.

McLaughlin, Neil (Kennedy 1978)

The Taylor Alumni Association extends condolences to the family and friends of Neil McLaughlin. It is with the heaviest heart that the family of Neil Alan McLaughlin announces his passing after his 2-year battle with ALS. Neil was surrounded by his loving family when he took his last peaceful breaths on September 10, 2026. Neil made his grand entrance into the world on December 12, 1959, in Detroit, Michigan. He was born to the late Barbara (White) and Ralph McLaughlin, and kept them plenty busy with his shenanigans as the baby of the McLaughlin clan. Growing up, Neil was an avid learner and athlete, especially on the baseball field and, of course, the hockey rink! He found a love of hockey that lasted throughout his life, and it even extended into his children growing up in ice rinks. Throughout his childhood, he went on adventures with his family like camping at Irish Hills, hanging out with neighborhood friends that over the years turned into family, and of course driving his two older sisters absolutely insane. Neil loved many things as a young man: b**r, hockey, hanging out with his friends, and his beloved hair perms, but all of these things were completely blown out of the water when he met his future wife Barbara Costella. They met as organically as you could in the 80s, at a mutual friend’s wedding that they both stood up in. From that moment on, they were inseparable. From their very first date, where they picked out their forever song, “You Dropped a Bomb on Me,” to their proposal where Neil meticulously cut out letters in the newspaper to pop the big question, their love continued to grow, and their bond became unbreakable. On May 6, 1988, they tied the knot, and Neil gained his second family. Their biggest adventures arose when their children, Armanda, Kelsey, and Shaun, were born, and Neil’s life continued to grow with the things that he loved. He gave his children a wonderful childhood by working night and day, and overtime on holidays to be able to take them on the same adventures he took as a child and give them all the things he dreamed of. Even though Neil worked long hours, he always made time to take his children to important events. Like the many field trips he took at St. Alfred’s, such as going to Chicago with Shaun and taking Kelsey to Washington, D.C for their 8th-grade trips. He also loved spending time with the ones he loved; being at the lake house, grilling on the BBQ, fishing, festivals, being a pot stirrer, and of course “poking the bear,” as he would call it. There was never a dull moment when Neil was around; he kept everyone laughing with his inappropriate jokes, wild costumes, and funny shirts he would always wear. Neil’s career was an important part of who he was. He was diligent when it came to matters of work and wore his titles of master electrician and foreman with pride. His time in the workforce cast a wide net, from electrical jobs in Detroit to Meijer, creating his own business with his brother-in-law, on to his final destination at “his airport” at Wayne County Metro, where he worked 30 years and found his work family. Neil’s list of things he loved continued to grow when his eldest daughter married her now husband, Gary Astalos, who to Neil was a home run since he loved hockey even more than Neil! Pop Pop became another title he wore with pride when Brinley, Ainsley and Lainey were born. From being Brinley’s cookie-eating partner to Ainsley’s Cheeto-eating partner, the bond he had with his granddaughters will never be forgotten. Even though Neil’s life was not nearly as long as all of us would have liked or hoped, he leaves behind a legacy in the lives of everyone he has touched. Even though ALS took much from him, it never took away who Neily Wheely truly was. He was always lending a helping hand to anyone who needed it, whether it was family, friends, or a stranger in need. He will be dearly missed but will live on in all of us anytime we crack open a Bud Light, put on Jimmy Buffett, or hear an inappropriate joke, just like he would have wanted. Neil A. McLaughlin is survived by his wife of 38 years, Barbara McLaughlin (Costella.) His children, Armanda (Gary) Astalos, Kelsey, and Shaun. His three beautiful granddaughters, Brinley, Ainsley, and Lainey. His sisters, Noreen (Greg) Hussen and Linda (Dave) Cyrek. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Visitation Friday, September 18, 2026 from 2:00-8:00 p.m. at the Taylor Chapel of Voran Funeral Home, 23750 Goddard Road. (313) 291-1800. In state Saturday 9:30 a.m. with a 10:00 a.m. Mass of the Resurrection to follow at St. Constance Catholic Church, 21333 Kinyon, Taylor. Interment Our Lady of Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The ALS Association in memory of Neil. Please share memories or leave condolences on Neil’s guestbook on his tribute wall.