Robert E. Driscoll, 82

March 25, 1938 - December 25, 2020

Beverly - Robert E. Driscoll, 82, of Beverly, passed away on December 25, 2020 after a brief but valiant fight against Covid-19.

Robert was the son of the late Dennis and Eleanor (Lane) Driscoll of Nahant, where he attended the Valley Road School with his group of pals known as "Da boys" - Patrick Phaup, Bill Coffey, Cole Gaudet, Richie Carey, Wayne Hanson, and Paul Bradley, as well as his best friend George Kasper, just to name a few. After attending high school in Lynn, MA, Bob enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Upon receiving an honorable discharge as a Corporal (E3) from the U.S. Marines in December of 1961, Bob was employed by United Airlines for an incredible 41-year tenure. On several occasions he was recognized for outstanding service by his employer and the community. For example, in 1986 Bob received a letter of commendation from the Massachusetts State Police, as well as from the Chairman of United Airlines, in recognition of his efforts to resuscitate a passenger who had had a heart attack in the terminal of Logan Airport.

In addition to working for United Airlines, Bob also served as a Patrolman on the Saugus police force for several years in the early 1970's, frequently working some of the tougher night details along Route 1.

To say that Robert, a.k.a. Bob/ Lefty/ Dad/ Grampy lived a full life would be an understatement. His greatest passion in life was his relationship with so many people - his love of family, the treasured times he shared with his many friends, the camaraderie of his fellow soldiers and veterans, and his support and service of others in his community. In the '60's and '70's he helped organize and host the infamous annual Lobsterfest and other neighborhood get-togethers in the Centerville section of Beverly where he raised his family. Bob also enjoyed traveling with his family and friends to many places in both the U.S. and abroad, such as San Francisco, Arizona, Las Vegas, Seattle, California, Bermuda, Washington D.C., Ireland, his beloved Marco Island Florida, and even Anguilla in the British West Indies.

Bob was also an active member of the American Legion Post 331 of Beverly for over 35 years, where he served several times on the Executive Board, assisted in the renovation of the club building and function hall, and was instrumental in various fundraising and charitable events. In fact, during his tenure Post 331 was recognized frequently in state-wide competitions amongst 100+ competing American Legion Posts for community service projects. In 1985 Bob established the Post 331 Honor/Color Guard, for which he served as Captain for many years. The Honor Guard serves at veteran funerals and other events throughout Massachusetts and has even won six first place awards while marching in parades. Of all his American Legion events, however, Bob's favorite was by far the annual Children's Christmas Party, where he would lead everyone in singing Christmas songs to usher in Santa's arrival. His friends and family will always remember Bob's love of Christmas, and fondly recall his favorite singing & dancing Christmas Hat, which he wore proudly every year.

He is survived by two daughters, Roberta Driscoll of Ipswich, Kathi Martinell and her husband Tim of Phoenix AZ, as well as daughter-in-law Tina Horak of Phoenix, AZ; son Patrick Driscoll and his wife Dawn of Peabody; and two grandchildren Dylan and Ryan Sultzbach of Ipswich; He was predeceased by a son, Michael Horak; two brothers Thomas F. Driscoll and Dennis Barry Driscoll; two sisters Mary Eleanor Kelley, and Barbara Whalen; his grandson Joseph Roger Bolton; and his nephew Danny Driscoll. In addition to the many, many treasured friends Bob left behind, including some lifelong from his childhood in Nahant, Bob also leaves behind beloved nieces, nephews and their families, Barry and Alice Driscoll, Denise and Larry Moronie, Darlene Bent, Daryl and Cheryl Driscoll, Barbara L. Whalen, Paul F. Whalen and his wife Linda, Judy Salt and her husband Kevin, Christine Auslander and her husband Brent, Brenda Kelley Kim and her husband Tae, and Francis "Larry" Kelley, and well as his ex-wife Maureen Driscoll of Beverly, and his longtime girlfriend Cathy Miller of Lynn.

Service Information: Interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Nahant in June, with a reception and celebration of his life to follow - date TBD. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.