Pastor Bruce MacLaughlin, 76, of Whitehall, died Oct. 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Binghamton, N.Y. to Walter and Ruth MacLaughlin, he dedicated his adult life to serving God and others. He grew up in West Chester and after graduating from B. Reed Henderson High School, attended the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science, where he earned a degree in business administration and management. He later attended Hamma School of Theology and graduated from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in 1981.

He faithfully served as a pastor for 34 years, retiring in 2015 - though his calling never truly ended. He continued to preach and share God’s word until his passing.

Throughout his ministry, he was known for his compassionate leadership and his commitment to community outreach - serving as pastor for the deaf for 10 years. He touched countless lives through youth ministries, outreach to the underprivileged, counseling and mission work. He also served as a camp director for various church camps, where his energy, faith and sense of humor inspired generations of young people.

He was devoted to his family and cherished every moment spent with them. He was known for his storytelling, sense of humor and his passion for sports and wine. With a camera always nearby, he had a gift for capturing life’s special moments through photographs that will continue to tell his story for generations to come.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dottie; three children, Doug (Kate), Jennifer (Rob) and Matt (Bekah); six grandchildren, Mackenzie, Alysa (Nick), Gavin (Chloe), Ava, Samantha and Kennedy; great-granddaughter, Lainey; brother, W. Scott (Petra).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ruth MacLaughlin.

A Celebration of Life will be held 11 a.m. Nov. 7 with viewing and visitation beginning 9:30 a.m. in Fritze Hall, Saint John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 835 Third St., Whitehall, located three blocks north of the Fullerton Avenue exit of Route 22.

Memorial donations are requested to Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute at www.lvhn.org/giving or mail to LVHN Office of Philanthropy, P.O. Box 1883, Allentown, 18105-9988.

The Gilbert Funeral Home of Whitehall is honored to handle his arrangements.