Mr. Robert Gibson Laughlin

July 22, 1930 - March 24, 2016

Robert Gibson Laughlin, PhD, age 85, passed away at Bryn Mawr Hospital on March 24, 2016, after a long illness. He was born July 22, 1930 in Western, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Carl Dennis Laughlin and Lois (Gibson) Laughlin. His family originally came from Ohio. He grew up in Drexel Hill, PA and graduated from Upper Darby High School. He worked at Sun Shipping, was an aide at Wills Eye Hospital, ran a motorcycle ship on Market St. in Philadelphia. He attended Penn State University and Temple University. He attended University of Pennsylvania and received his PhD in Sociology. He became a plumber/heating repairman, working in the Fairmount and Center City sections of Philadelphia. He took care of his elderly parents at home, going to the University at night. He was a self-made man, likable, sociable and independent. His talent was hand carving and gold leafing wooden frames at the Laughlin Frame Shop on Ranstead St. which was run by his brother Carl Laughlin. He is survived by his sister-in-law Joan Laughlin, two nephews; Matthew Laughlin of Bryn Mawr, PA, and Bruce Laughlin of New Jersey, also his common-law-wife Rebecca Cooke. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Friday evening April 1 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Dinan Funeral Home, 1921-23 Spring Garden St., Phila. Burial will be on Saturday afternoon, April 2 at 12 noon in the Church of the Redeemer Cemetery, Pennswood and Gulf Roads, Bryn Mawr, PA.