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Patrick Thomas Driscoll, Jr., age 77, of Glenview, loving husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully surrounded by his wife, children, and other close family members. Pat Driscoll, "Paddy" to his grandchildren, was an understated man whose quiet demeanor concealed a brilliant mind, a quick wit, a natural propensity for debate, a tender heart, and a dogged tenacity that served him well in his life-long career as an attorney. He is survived by Sheila (nee Tully), his wife of 51 years, founder of the Sheila Tully Academy of Irish Dance; their four children, Cathleen (Jay) Dettling, Tara (Chris) Shannon, Patrick (Mary Beth), Michael (Allegra), and eleven grandchildren, Ryan, Nora, Deirdre, and Rory Dettling, Alana, Fiona, and Priscilla Shannon, Maura and Patrick Driscoll V, Hudson and Greyson Driscoll; his siblings Jeff (Maggie) Driscoll and Ginny Driscoll. Pat was born in Chicago on October 30, 1942 to Patrick and Bettye Driscoll. They lived in Rogers Park in the St. Ignatius Parish (The Patch). He attended St. Ignatius Grade School, Loyola Academy and Regis College. He followed his father's footsteps to study law at DePaul University. Upon graduation in 1967, Pat was hired by the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and in 1973, he became Chief of the Criminal Appeals Division where he argued 25 cases before the Illinois Supreme Court. After leaving the State's Attorney's office, Pat launched a successful private practice for over 20 years representing clients in criminal and civil matters. While in private practice, Pat continued to advance public service in the Federal Defender Program and through his many appointments as a Special State's Attorney. In 1999, Pat's Loyola Academy classmate and longtime friend, State's Attorney Dick Devine, asked him to return to the State's Attorney's Office as Chief of the Civil Actions Bureau. After leaving the States Attorney's office in 2013, he "retired" by taking four new positions: Administrative Law Judge for the Cook County Assessor, Attorney for the Electoral Board of Cook County and Cook County Pension Fund, independent arbitrator with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, and an arbitrator on the commercial calendar's arbitration program. Even more important than his outstanding legal career, were the values that informed it-values that were a direct expression of his Catholic faith and Jesuit education. These ideals guided his work in the State's Attorney's Office, his championing of unpopular causes, his advocacy for death sentence defendants, eight terms in the Assembly of the Special Illinois State Bar Association Committee on the Death Penalty, his chairmanship of the Board of Trustees at the Norwegian American Hospital and his work with the Lions Club and the Chicago Inn of Court. For his service, Pat was the recipient of numerous awards including the inaugural recipient of the Loyola Academy Bar Association Magis Award which recognizes the highest principles and traditions of the legal profession. In Pat's 50-year career, his advice and counsel were sought by many in both the public and private sector and he was an inspiration and mentor to many attorneys. But he was not all work. Pat loved retreating down to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with Sheila and his family. He was an avid reader, attended countless DePaul basketball games, and loved walking. Most of all, his wife, children, and especially his grandchildren were the joys of his life. Pat Driscoll was a model family man, public servant, a true "man for others". Visitation Monday, November 4, 2019, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Boulevard, at Old Orchard Road, Skokie, Illinois 60077. Funeral Mass Tuesday, November 5, 2019, 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1775 Grove Street Glenview, Illinois 60025.
In lieu of flowers, make a memorial contribution to Sister Paulanne's Needy Family Fund. Please make checks payable to Our Lady of Perpetual Help (and note Sister Paulanne's Needy Family Fund in the memo line), and send donations to: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Parish Ministry Center, 1775 Grove Street, Glenview, Illinois 60025
Info: www.donnellanfuneral.com or (847)675-1990.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Our family has a lovely memory of sharing the day at the Mexico home with Pat & Sheila. Much admiration and respect for you, and our hearts go out to you all.
Catherine Callaghan
catherine callaghan
November 13, 2019
Pat was one of my favorite people in this world- a former Cook County State's Attorney, friend, and a mentor. He is to me the utmost professional, legal genius and of the best God created. I'll remember and pray for Pat every single day. Godspeed my friend.
Terry Sullivan
November 11, 2019
Patrick was a good man. R.I.P.
My condolences to the family.
Michael Greco
Attorney at Law
Chicago, Illinois
Michael Greco
November 6, 2019
Sincere condolences to you Sheila & your family. Truly sorry for your loss. Pat's love, laughter & gentle smile will be with you always & forever. I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless & keep you Kathy Ryan Barrett
Kathy Ryan Barrett
November 5, 2019
On behalf of the many parents of Tully Irish Dance students, thanks to Patrick and family for the time invested by Sheila and himself on the home front that contributed to the growth of Irish culture and the well-rounded development of our children. Rest In Peace. Prayers and Love to Sheila, children and grandchildren.
John and Mary Barrett
Friend
November 4, 2019
My condolences to the Driscoll family. Pat was a great lawyer and a great human being. It was my honor to have worked in the State's Attorney's Office at the same time he was there, he was a consumate professional and role model for his fellow ASAs. I'm sorry for your loss.
Tom Davy
November 4, 2019
Pat's partner at 26th st. was Nick DeJohn, he was an equal to Pat in every respect. He passed away many years ago, so I am writing for him. They were the prosecutors at 26th st. and were assigned the heater cases of the day. They were like brothers. So I am sending condolences to the family, on Nicks behalf and my own, Tom Dunn Joliet
November 4, 2019
i met Pat a number of years ago when we were each representing a co-defendant in a serious criminal case. Pat was the consummate professional.
He had real empathy for his client, a total understanding of the legal aspects of the case and he was a superior talent as an attorney in every way. I was very happy we became friends and I will miss him.
My condolences to the Driscoll family on their loss.
Marvin Leavitt
November 4, 2019
It was indeed a pleasure to have met Pat on several occasions many years ago......a loving husband and father. My prayers for Sheila and family.
Robert LaPata, MD
November 4, 2019
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Driscoll. He was an excellent friend and professional man. I was honored to be able to know and work with him during my fourteen years with Cook County. My deepest condolences to the Driscoll family.
John Morales
November 4, 2019
It was an honor to work for Mr. Driscoll at the State's Attorney's Office. He was always exceptionally kind. I am so sorry for your loss and may God comfort you during this difficult time.
Brittney Burns
November 4, 2019
My Condolences To The Family;
I'm so sorry for your great loss. May the God of all comfort be with you all during this difficult time.
November 4, 2019
To the Driscoll family. To each and everyone of Pat's family my sincere condolences of your loss. I had the privilege of knowing Pat through my time in office from 1970-2010. Pat was above all a gentleman, scholar, mentor to his staff, and a consummate lawyer and true to the motto of the office he always "did the right thing". Pat you will missed by a great many people. You were among the one of the very best Assistant State's Attorneys this county ever employed. In the words from an old Irish poem "May the wind be at you back". Godspeed on your way to heaven. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
colin simpson
November 4, 2019
My heart and prayers goes out to the family of Judge Driscoll, I am so honored to have worked with you at Cook County Administrative hearing. You were such an inspiration to work with.
Renee Murphy
Administrative Hearing
November 4, 2019
Mr. Driscoll was a lovely man and a gentleman. I feel fortunate to have worked with him at the State's Attorney's office. May your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Charise Valente
Coworker
November 4, 2019
a loved one
November 4, 2019
I knew Pat for more than 50 years. He was an extraordinarily gifted attorney whose excellence was plain for all to see. Most importantly, he was a gentleman whose kindness, patience, affability and integrity marked him as first class. Pat will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Judge Thomas P. Durkin (Ret.)
Thomas Durkin
November 4, 2019
Eternal rest, grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.
November 3, 2019
Sheila and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. May Mr. Driscoll rest in eternal peace.
Maureen (Hayes) Flavin
November 3, 2019
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Donnellan Family Funeral Services10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077
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Donnellan Family Funeral Services10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077
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