Rev. John P. Driscoll
Deceased: 2013-09-29
Diocese: JOLIET IN ILLINOIS
ICTE Spring: 1989
A celebration of the life of Rev. John “Jack” Driscoll, known to many as Fr. “D”, will be held on Oct. 5th. He was called home to God on September 29th, 2013 at the age of 86. John Patrick, Buddy, as he was called growing up, was born in Chicago on Feb 23rd 1927 to Rose and Patrick Driscoll. He graduated from Our Lady Help of Christians Elementary School and continued his schooling at St. Phillips High School and Quigley Preparatory. Further studies were completed at Our Lady of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein and St. Procopius Seminary in Lisle. Father was ordained a priest May 1st 1954 for the Diocese of Joliet. Assignments in his 59 years of priesthood include St. Patrick (Momence), St. Anne (Crest Hill) and St. Dennis (Lockport). He served as pastor of St. Lawrence (South Wilmington), St. Lawrence O’Toole (Essex), St. Mark’s (Wheaton), St. Anne (Crest Hill), St. Margaret Mary (Herscher) and St. James (Irwin). He also served as Director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. Father “D” spent his “retirement years” at St. Andrew the Apostle in Romeoville where he continued to celebrate daily mass, visit the hospitals, bring communion to shut-ins, fill in at neighboring parishes and help in any way that he could. He often said, “God gave me good health, I should put it to good use”. Sadly, he suffered a severe stroke 15 months ago, yet he never lost his positive spirit, reverence or wit. Father Driscoll was passionately committed to living his vocation to serve God and His people. Finding great fulfillment in the priesthood, he led a life of faithful prayer and dedication to the Eucharist. A homilist of few words, he conveyed a central theme, “Seek to know the will of God in your life and pray for the strength to follow it.” Thoughtful, kind and generous, he loved his family and friends, remembered all of their special occasions and enjoyed gathering them together for his annual Pre-Lenten Mass and Party. Father found special joy in visiting them near and far, and concluded every visit with a blessing. He took great pleasure in his many trips to Ireland and California to spend time with family. In addition to cherishing his Irish roots, he loved the Cubs and a great game of Pinochle. He will be sorely missed by all who loved him. So, until we meet again, may God hold him in the palm of His hand. Father Driscoll is preceded in death by his parents and beloved sister and June Weldon (Driscoll) and survived by many adoring nieces, nephews and dear friends. Visitation will be held on Friday Oct 4th 3-8 p.m. at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Romeoville. The Funeral Mass at St. Andrew the Apostle Church will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5th, with Bishop Conlon presiding. Preceding the mass, the body of Father Driscoll will Lie in State at St. Andrew the Apostle Church on Saturday Oct 4th from 9:45 -10:45 a.m. The body of Father Driscoll will be interred at Calvary Cemetery in Evanston. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in honor of Father Jack Driscoll to: The Society for the Propagation of the Faith Or St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church – ‘Foundation for the Future’ Anderson.
