David D. Driscoll

David D. Driscoll, of Northfield, passed away on September 14, 2025 at the age of 81, following a brief battle with cancer.

Born November 7, 1943, in Torrington, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Ona M. (Bensavage) Driscoll and Kenneth V. Driscoll. He was also predeceased by his sister, Helena (Driscoll) Kukola of Palm Springs, California. Affectionately known by many as "Fu-Man," Dave lived a life defined by service, passion, and community.

Dave attended St. John's Preparatory School in Danvers, Massachusetts, and went on to earn a degree in English from Penn Military College (now Widener University) in Chester, Pennsylvania. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He served honorably for four years, rising to the rank of captain while stationed at Fort Lawton in Washington. During his service, he also achieved a black belt in Karate, a testament to his discipline and dedication.

After leaving the military, Dave returned to Litchfield and began a career in education as a special education assistant teacher with the Town of Litchfield. In the early 1970s, he embarked on what would become a legendary coaching career, taking the helm of the Litchfield High School swimming and track & field teams. He also founded the Litchfield Junior High Ridge Runners, a youth running program that served as a foundational training ground for the high school's cross-country team.

Dave was a devoted and gifted coach, known for his deep knowledge of the sport and his tireless commitment to his athletes. He trained students in all disciplines of track and field-from sprints and long-distance events to hurdles, jumps, and pole vaulting. Under his leadership, numerous athletes set state records and went on to compete at NCAA Division I schools. His legacy helped shape Litchfield into a community were running thrived, a spirit that endures to this day.

As head coach of the Litchfield High School swimming team from the 1970s through the 1990s, Dave led his athletes to success even without a home pool. His ability to inspire, train, and refine talent was unmatched, producing swimmers who consistently performed at the highest levels of state and college competition.

Beyond school athletics, Dave was a cornerstone of the local running scene. He worked extensively with Junior Olympic athletes and was a certified starter and timer for countless road races and track meets. He was also one of the founding organizers of the Litchfield Road Race, established in 1977, and served for many years on its committee.

From the 1960s through the 1990s, Dave spent his summers at Wild Goose Camp on Great Moose Lake in Harmony, Maine, where he ran a successful water ski program. A skilled skier himself-both on snow and water-he created the Wild Goose Ski Team, which competed in tournaments across New England. Some of the young skiers he coached went on to compete at the collegiate level in Florida, a reflection of the strong foundation he helped build.

Dave was also a talented writer and photographer. He contributed sports stories and photographs to local newspapers and websites, helping to preserve the achievements and memories of Litchfield's athletic community. He worked for many years at CPI Corp in Thomaston and at Mohawk Mountain, where he formed many lifelong friendships.

He was a familiar face at the Village Restaurant, where conversations often turned to running and local sports-a place where he remained deeply connected to the community he loved.

David Driscoll's life was a shining example of service, leadership, and generosity. His impact as a teacher, coach, mentor, and friend will be remembered and felt for generations to come.

Service information will be announced at a later date.

________________________________________