William Gerald Driscoll died peacefully on Saturday June 9, 2007 at his residence in Rosemont, PA. He had just celebrated his 96th birthday.
Son of the late William V. and Mary McDonald Driscoll, he was born in Luzerne County in the town of Plymouth, PA. on May 28, 1911. He attended Villanova University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1932. He also earned a M.S. from University of Pennsylvania and D. Sc. from Villanova University.
Mr. Driscoll returned to Villanova University in 1933 as a faculty member, in which capacity he served the Engineering College, the Mathematics Department and the Physics Department. In 1938 he organized the present Physics Department and was its Chairman from 1950-1970. From 1939-1941 he organized and taught the Civilian Pilot Training Program and during World War II, he taught Physics to Naval Officers. Before his retirement in 1976, Villanova University bestowed upon him several awards: The Lindback Award in 1963; a Distinguished Service Citation in 1966; the Alumni Medal; he was named Teacher of the Year by Tau Kappa Epsilon in 1967; and he was listed among the "Outstanding Educators of America" in 1974.
Bill married Mary Agatha Avil in 1940 at the Villanova University Corr Chapel. They both enjoyed traveling and gardening. In 1976, Mr. & Mrs. Driscoll were honored by the Augustinian Order with an official "Affiliation to the Order of St. Augustine" for their service and devotion to Villanova University and St. Thomas of Villanova Parish.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years. He is survived by his sister Mary Driscoll Chappel of Harrisburg, PA., and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday June 12 , 7:00 PM at St. Thomas of Villanova Church (Univ. Campus), Lancaster Ave., Villanova, PA. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Church after 6:00 PM. Interment will be on Wednesday June 13, 10:30 AM at Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Augustinian Seminary Guild, P.O. Box 340, Villanova, PA 19085 or to Jefferson Hospice Network, 100 Matsonford Rd., Radnor, PA 19087.