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William Driscoll Obituary
Bill Driscoll of Pasadena died suddenly on May 16, 2009, at the age of 57.
Bill was born on December 12, 1951 in Pasadena, California. He attended La Salle High School, and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern California in 1974, where he served as President of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. Bill obtained his law degree from Southwestern University School of Law in 1977.
After graduating law school, Bill served several years as an Assistant District Attorney, and then turned to civil litigation. Bill opened his own firm in 1985, and became a well-known and highly respected real estate attorney, particularly in the field of eminent domain.
Bill enjoyed hunting, bike riding, swimming, vacationing in Hawaii, and getting away to his home in Santa Barbara. He loved weekend afternoons sitting in his box at Santa Anita, wearing a favorite Reyn Spooner Hawaiian shirt, holding court and breaking even. Bill was a member of the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club in Montecito, the California Club in Los Angeles, and the Flowing Wells Duck Club.
Everybody knew Bill, and he made a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was larger than life, and when he laughed, which was often, he could be louder than life as well. It is hard to believe that such a huge presence in so many lives is gone. He will be dearly missed by his many friends and family.
Bill is preceded in death by his son Brian, and is survived by his four girls: Wife Ludie, daughter Kelley, and dogs Libby and Ella. He is also survived by his mother Frances, his sisters Jane, Laura, and Ellen, and his brother John.
Services will be held at the Holy Family Catholic Church in South Pasadena on Wednesday, May 27th at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Ludie and Kelley ask that contributions be made to Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, either by mail at 4650 Sunset Blvd., #29, Los Angeles, CA 90027, or online at www.childrenshospitalla.org.
Goodbye, sweet Poppi
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Driscoll
Socrates Peter Manoukian
May 18, 2025
Rest In Eternal Peace, Bill. SPM SUSOL 1977.
Alan Snitzer
May 18, 2023
Even 14 years after his tragic and untimely death, Bill's memory and legacy live on. I'm one of Bill's many Southwestern Law School classmates and friends, and we often think of him and how his rowdy sense of humor helped many of us get through the challenge that is law school. A group of us met regularly for dinner for several years after law school, and not surprisingly, Bill was always the life of the party, and kept the jokes (and drinks) coming!
When a few of us get together for dinner next week, we'll raise a glass in a toast to Billy D. and all the great memories he left us with! May he continue to rest in peace
How unfair that he was struck down at 57 and missed out on the last 14 years of life! I truly hope that his family has carried on as best they could.
Tom Trischler
March 19, 2018
I'm just catching this obit for "Billy" almost decade post facto, but have always had good memories from our time together on the USC Rugby team! Ruck on Billy!
Tom
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Michael Marlatt
June 14, 2009
I recently learned of Bill's sad recent passing at a La Salle event. I have fond memories of Bill from over two decades ago when we had adjacent lockers at the Pasadena Athletic Club. He was a young lawyer and I was entering law school. He provided great advise. In later years I would occasionally refer him cases and pass along a greeting. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and a wonderful man will be truly missed. - Mike Marlatt
Rob and Barbara Wald
June 1, 2009
Ludie:
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Bill's passing. You and your daughter, Kelli, are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. We have fond memories of times spent with you and Bill so many years ago. God Bless.....
Nancy Beckham
May 28, 2009
Ludie,
I am so sad and heartsick for you. I could not make the funeral on Wednesday but was thinking about you. I will call you in a few weeks to see how you are doing and perhaps we could get together soon.
Yolanda Salazar
May 27, 2009
Our tears and prayers are for Bill's family, friends and law practice/staff. Bill, THANK YOU for explaining the Condemnation proceedings to us. Protect and keep watch over your family & friends. Amen.
Nancy Simerly
May 27, 2009
I never met your dad Kelley, but I know that you hold his joy and laughter in your heart. He shines through your brightness and will remain an essential part of who you are. I am so sorry for your loss and the loss of a man who meant so much to so many. His presence remains in their hearts.
Tom Garcin
May 27, 2009
I had an appearance in Los Angeles Superior Court on May 20. Bill was supposed to be there. When it was announced on the record that he had passed away, the case came to a halt as the attorneys present (one of whom was Bill's opposing counsel) cried. If that doesn't say all you need to know about Bill, I don't know what would.
Sharleen (Parks) Carlan
May 26, 2009
Our families spent every Fourth of July together as kids and many Christmases. He was bigger than life as child also. I went to grammar school with him. I know he will be missed.
Socrates Peter Manoukian
May 25, 2009
Hey Bill, you are a great guy and always kept good humor when UCLA was bashing USC in football and basketball. Rest in peace.
Katy Weinstein-McLane
May 24, 2009
I never had the pleasure of meeting Bill, but I did have the honor of going to high school with his sister Ellen, whose contagious laughter was known to be a family trait, a trait that her brother Bill had been blessed with too. My condolences to Bill's family and friends, of which I understand he had many.
Alan Snitzer
May 24, 2009
Bill was a dear friend from law school and it's hard to believe he's gone; he WAS larger than life, as the obituary said. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. I send my very deepest condolences to Ludie, Kelly, Ellen and the rest of Bill's family, friends, and staff.
sam leib
May 24, 2009
What an extraordinary person who gave strength and confidence to all who knew him. May his memory be a blessing upon Ludie and Kelly, his family and friends.
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