Joseph W. Driscoll

He was born in Keene, NH, April 26, 1931, the son of Lucille B. (Larmay) and Francis John Driscoll, Sr. A lifelong resident of Keene, he was a 1949 graduate of Keene High School.

His military career started as an active duty member of the National Guard for 5 ½ years from which, he continued onto the United States Army where he served for 20 years with tours of duty in Korea, South Vietnam, Germany and Thailand. He retired on June 1, 1973 from active duty and transferred to the Army Reserve at the rank of Sergeant First Class, serving in the reserves until May 21, 1978.

Following his military career, he worked as an upholsterer apprentice with the Keene Mill End Store progressing to Master Upholsterer. At home, he used this skill as a hobby and also enjoyed chair caning and wood-working in his workshop.

He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Keene Post #799, serving twice as post commander, and was also a mentor and Judge Advocate. He also participated in many military observances and was a member of the funeral honor detail. At the post, he helped to coordinate the bingo events for many years. He was also a 43- year member of the Gordon Bissell American Legion Keene Post #4.

Joe was an avid bowler, enjoyed skiing into his 70’s, playing cards, working puzzles and was an interminable story teller of army experiences. In his younger days, he worked as an assistant square dance instructor with Ralph Page and picked up a love of dancing which lasted him all his life.

He was a family man, an honest man, and a patriotic man.

Joe is survived by his wife of 61 years, Caroline E. (Wheeler) Driscoll of Keene; a son, Richard J. Driscoll of Crested Butte, CO; a daughter, Diane E. Caruso and her husband, Thomas, of Amherst, NH; a son, John R. Driscoll and his wife, Heidi, of Ocean View, DE; seven grandchildren; a brother Francis J. Driscoll, Jr. of Keene; a sister Mary Ann Smith of Keene; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Lawrence L. Driscoll and a sister, Linda A. Driscoll.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 11:00AM in St. Bernard Church, 185 Main Street, Keene. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Monadnock View Cemetery, Park Avenue, Keene. Family and friends are invited to call on Monday evening, December 29th from 6:00 to 8:00PM at the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mr. Driscoll’s memory to the American Lung Association of NH, 20 Warren Street, Suite 4, Concord, NH 03301.