Pastor Bruce MacLaughlin

Pastor Bruce MacLaughlin, age 76, of Whitehall, Pennsylvania, went home to be with the Lord on October 27th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on September 30, 1949, in Binghamton, New York, to Walter and Ruth MacLaughlin, Bruce dedicated his adult life to serving God and others. He grew up in West Chester, Pennsylvania, 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. Pastor Bruce 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, Pastor Bruce 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.

Bruce 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 beloved wife of 54 years, Dottie, his three children, Doug (Kate), Jennifer (Rob), and Matt (Bekah); his six grandchildren, Mackenzie, Alysa (Nick), Gavin (Chloe), Ava, Samantha, and Kennedy; great-granddaughter, Lainey; and brother, W. Scott (Petra). He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ruth MacLaughlin.

A Celebration of his Life will be held on Friday November 7th, 2025 at 11am with viewing and visitation beginning at 9:30 in Fritze Hall, Saint John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 835 Third Street, Whitehall, PA 18052, located 3 blocks north of the Fullerton Avenue exit of Route 22. Interment will be private.

For those who wish to honor Pastor Bruce with a memorial contribution, his family requests that donations be made to Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute using this link, or mail to LVHN Office of Philanthropy PO Box 1883 Allentown, PA 18105-9988

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

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Pastor Bruce MacLaughlin, please visit our flower store.