Charles Frank Laughton
March 10, 1934- December 28,2025

Charles Frank Laughton (“Chuck,” lovingly known as “Papa”) passed away peacefully on December 28, surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Helen Laughton, whom he loved deeply and devotedly; his adored daughter, Lisa McCarthy (Brian); his treasured granddaughter, Lauren McCarthy, who held a very special place in his heart; his niece, Jen Gallo whom he lovingly considered another granddaughter; daughter-in-law Kelly Laughton; his brother Frank Laughton (Jackie); his daughter-in-law Kelly Laughton; and his nieces and nephews Jean Salmonsen, Steve, Jeff and Kenny Kypers, and Keith Pipkin.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Charles “Chip” Laughton; his parents, Frank and Vera Laughton (née Trozzo); and his sister, Vera MacGilvray.

Chuck was born in Paterson, New Jersey, and attended high school in Hollywood, Florida, where he remained deeply connected throughout his life. He faithfully attended every reunion and shared decades of laughter, adventures, and memories with his high school friends, affectionately known as “the Mob.”

He graduated from Florida State University, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, and went on to earn postgraduate degrees from Stetson University, Florida Atlantic University, and East Carolina University.

Chuck proudly served his country during the Korean War as a cryptographer, a role that reflected his intelligence, curiosity, and commitment to service.

Chuck dedicated over 50 years to education, beginning his career as a science teacher, then serving as a dean and assistant principal, and spending the final 10 years of his career with the Broward County School Board, where he was responsible for school facilities across the county. He made a lasting impact on countless students, colleagues, and families.

Chuck never met a stranger. A natural conversationalist, he had a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life and built friendships wherever he went. His circle of friends was wide, loyal, and lifelong.

Family was the center of Chuck’s world. He and Helen spent their lives side by side, traveling, socializing, and enjoying time with their many friends and social groups. He was a devoted father who loved creating adventures for his children, always encouraging curiosity and exploration.

He loved children, both his own and everyone else’s. Kids could often be found lined up in the front yard learning how to cast a fly rod, getting help with science fair projects, or being taught how to fish just because it sounded fun. A simple comment like “those clouds are pretty” could quickly turn into a full lesson on how clouds are formed and what they might predict about the weather. For kids who needed it, Chuck quietly stepped in, buying shoes for a baseball game, cheering from the sidelines, or becoming the steady, encouraging presence every child deserves. Teaching was always part of it, complete with questions, answers, and demonstrations, and he never passed up the chance to stop and talk with a child. As a result, it often took forever to get out of a restaurant or store.

Besides his Hollywood home, Chuck cherished time spent at his homes in Saluda, North Carolina, where summers were filled with family, and in Lake Placid, where he quietly fished, enjoyed his dinner groups, and stayed actively involved in his church and community.

Chuck had a lifelong love of the water and was an avid fisherman. Whether fly fishing mountain streams, bass fishing on lakes, fishing offshore, or casting from Hollywood Beach, he found joy on the water. He loved telling fishing stories and could recount the history of every lure, fly, and pole he owned, including the fish caught and tournaments won. Just as often, he could be found teaching children how to fly fish.

He loved every kind of outdoor adventure. From camping and cave exploring to digging for shark teeth or hiking in the woods, it was always fun and always came with a lessonHe especially loved diving and took great pride in his saltwater fish tank, which he often turned into a teachable moment, sharing facts about fish, their habitats, and any scientific lesson he could weave in, sometimes to the eyerolls of his children.

Chuck lived a life defined by curiosity, generosity, humor, and love. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the adventures he inspired.

“Papa, thank you for every story, every lesson, and every adventure. You taught us curiosity, kindness, and love, and we will carry them forward always."