Robert Stephen Driscoll

Colonel (Retired) Robert Stephen Driscoll, passed away September 26, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife Judy by his side. He was born on March 18, 1950, in Quincy, MA to the late Agnes Drummond and Robert Francis Driscoll.

Bob’s life journey from Massachusetts to Texas was filled with experiences and stories from A to Z.

As an only child, Bob often reflected on the wartime years when his cousins lived with him in Braintree, MA while his uncles served overseas. Ultimately his family became a Goldstar family. The consummate historian, Bob would often introduce his origins as hailing from the same town as two U.S. Presidents, John Adams, and John Quincy Adams. He also quickly informed that the Father of Westpoint, Sylvanus Thayer, was from his hometown of Braintree, MA. Bob’s foundational years were shaped by attending parochial schools, and as he was one to venture into mischief, he humored how the nuns kept him in line. In high school he enjoyed sports and belonged to an informal group called “The Wheels” sharing his love of cars. His love for the army and country was early in the making. One of Bob’s earliest memories as a child was standing on the transmission hub between his parents as they journeyed from Boston to Fort Dix in anticipation of visiting an army base. He was hooked and wore green literally and proverbially for the rest of his life. Bob served his country honorably over a span of 33 years, followed by 8 years as a civil servant. He followed the footsteps of a family of service, as his father had served in the Pacific Theater during WW11 as a Seabee.

During his early military years, Bob served in command and staff positions in field medical units and medical leadership positions in infantry and Special Forces, both in the United States and Europe. He enjoyed his years in Germany with 7th Medical Command, followed by 12 years in the Washington DC area serving in key positions at the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and on the Joint Staff. He felt honored to work at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as Assistant Chief of Staff of the North Atlantic Regional Medical Command. He often spoke of how proud he was of the capabilities and expertise provided at Walter Reed.

His culminating assignment in the army in 2009 was faculty instructor of Health Services at the U.S. Army War College. He embraced the value of U.S. and international officers working together, and the strategic connections garnered with a grip and grin. He, Judy, and their son Sean, enjoyed hosting and co-hosting families from around the world while stationed at the Army War College. After army retirement, Bob followed his love for Army Medicine and History and served as the Chief of the Army Medical Department History, Heritage, and Programs at Fort Sam Houston’s Army Medical Department Museum. Bob’s continuous study, and efforts to educate the Army, Joint Force, and Allied partners on the significant contributions of Army Medicine to the welfare of Soldiers and society in general may be considered his biggest legacy. He was always seeking that teaching moment and was steadfast in his belief that the field of medicine was truly a calling and a profession of passion.

As a major, Bob was awarded the Order of Medical Military Merit with the “A” Professional designator, and upon retirement in 2009, he was awarded the Legion of Merit.

Bob’s civilian education included a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from American International College in Springfield, MA. He subsequently earned 4 master’s degrees from Western New England College, American Military University, the National Defense University, and the National War College. As a lifelong learner, he earned his doctorate in Health Care Administration from Oklahoma State University in early 2026.

Bob served as President and Vice President of the National Capitol Regional Chapter of the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States and was a member of other organizations to include the American Society of Military Insignia Collectors, and the Association of American Medical Colleges. He had been a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He authored and published papers on U.S Army Medical Department History. Early in his career, Bob flew helicopters and was captivated by all things related to medivac helicopters. During his time at the Army Medical Department Museum, he was an Executive Producer for the documentary “When I Have Your Wounded: The DUSTOFF Legacy”. He marveled at the bravery, altruism, and skill these pilots and crew demonstrated.

A New Englander at heart, Bob’s zeal in more recent years for his adopted state of Texas was fun to watch. He would don his western wear and head to the rodeo, add more western songs to his playlist, appreciate nature, and would travel for potato and egg tacos. He continued to support his New England sports teams, while also embracing the SEC. He especially enjoyed attending the Army Navy games, Iron Bowl games, and Celtics events with his sons. He was thrilled to see his boys also became interested in the hobby of collecting, albeit sports vs military focused pieces.

As recently as 2023 Bob received his British citizenship. His late mother never lost her Scottish accent which confused his Boston buddies when they paid a visit. Although he did not realize his goal to visit Scotland, he often played songs that featured bagpipes and was proud of “his people”. Bob enjoyed traveling, and last year, prior to his illness, he and Judy took a trip to visit national parks out west, followed by a trip back to New England to see family and friends. He always made a point to find a museum or two along the way! And, just as he would travel for breakfast tacos, he was finally able to introduce whole belly fried clams to his longtime army comrade from Tennessee, Jay Harmon, while visiting Martha’s Vineyard.

Perhaps some may best remember Bob for taking any target of opportunity to mentor, educate, and discuss the importance of medical history. His radar was always up looking for candidates to serve with Uncle Sam. During his many hospitalizations this past year, he found common ground and a connection with many wonderful and caring people and could always “reel them in” with a story. His love of country was deep. While watching military tributes, his wife Judy would often catch him with tears in his eyes.

Thank you to MD Anderson, Houston, for the gift of time, and to the many other devoted providers, caretakers, family, and friends throughout Bob’s journey this year. He never gave up.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Judy Driscoll, of nearly 32 years; his son, Sean Driscoll from Georgia; and Michael Driscoll, David Driscoll, Laura Driscoll, and their mother Nancy Driscoll from Massachusetts; and cousin Karen Boivin and her son Darren, from Colorado.

Colonel (Retired) Driscoll’s final resting place will be in Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Bob would have encouraged taking time in our lives to find a passion, cultivate it, and share what you learn with others.