Arthur Roy Driscoll

West Point, 1949

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Terry Powers on March 23, 2023:

Arthur R. Driscoll Jr. 1949 Cullum No. 17058-1949 | October 2, 1991 | Died in Beverly, MA Interred in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Fall River, MA Arthur Roy Driscoll, Jr., was born in 1925 at Fall River, Massachusetts. He was the first son of Arthur and Maria Driscoll. His father was the Sergeant at Arms of the Massachusetts State House. When Art was ten, he and his family took a trip to West Point. At the completion of the trip, Arthur said to his parents, "This is where I want to go when I grow up." In high school, Art excelled in many areas. He was the class historian, editor-in-chief of the yearbook and a member of the National Honor Society. He also was voted "Best Personality." This trait would be one of his hallmarks throughout his life. Upon graduation, Art enlisted in the Navy. He was selected for the Naval V-12 program and enrolled in Williams College. Art spent a year at Williams and two at Holy Cross College. Prior to commissioning, he was offered an appointment to Annapolis. Art remembered his dream of attending West Point, however, and requested to take the entrance exam. He was accepted and, in July 1945, joined the Class of 1949. Art chose infantry and, upon graduation, was assigned to the 33d Infantry Regiment, Fort Kobbe, Panama. Art progressed rapidly in duty assignments from rifle platoon leader to assistant battalion S-3 to company commander of B Company l-33rd. More importantly, while he was in Panama, Art met his bride, the former Maureen Manush. They were married 31 August 1952. Their first child Ardith was born in Panama in 1953. Art's next assignment was as Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Dayton. During this time, Art had several articles published in the Infantry Magazine and the Army Combat Forces Journal. During 1955-1956, Art attended the Infantry Advanced Course at Fort Benning. While at Benning, Art developed a long-lasting friendship with his next-door neighbor, Dave Grange (who later became LTG Grange). Art also completed the Airborne and Ranger courses. Art and Maureen's first son Arthur was born at Benning in 1955. Fort Devens was the next duty assignment for Art. While assigned to the 4th Regimental Combat Team, Art made the tough decision to leave the Regular Army and join the civilian sector. He joined John Hancock Life Insurance in 1957 and quickly rose in the organization. In 1966, Art was promoted to second vice president in the Secretariat Department. Art was the youngest vice president in the company's history. During this time, Art and Maureen's family was growing quickly. Sons John, Wilfred and David joined the Driscoll family in Beverly, Massachusetts. As Art progressed up the corporate ladder, he stayed in the Army Reserve, eventually retiring in 1977 as a lieutenant colonel. He was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal at his retirement ceremony. Throughout all this time, Art remained actively involved with his alma mater. At the invitation of LTG James Gavin, Art became a member of the West Point Fund Committee and served for 12 years. An active member of the West Point Society of New England, Art was elected president of the society and served for several years. A sentiment continually shared by young and old graduates alike was that Art Driscoll was the epitome of a West Point graduate. In 1986, Art retired from John Hancock as Vice President and Assistant Secretary, Secretariat Operations. Art enjoyed retired life as he and Maureen became grandparents, and Art became deeply involved in the Parish Council of St. John's Catholic Church. He was a familiar sight around Beverly as he walked several miles each day. Art suffered an unexpected heart attack on 2 October 1991. His sudden death was a shock to all who knew him. We will always remember his ever-present smile, his great wit and his ability to provide guidance and advice. His passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew him, but he also left us so many wonderful memories. Be thou at peace, Dad. His loving family

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