Francis D. "Frank" Driscoll PhD

Francis "Frank" Daniel Driscoll, PhD passed away at Orchard Valley of Wilbraham on July 31, 2025, at the age of 91. Frank was a gentle soul who lived a rich life, and with his beloved late wife Eleanor "Ellie" raised six children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Born on June 14, 1934, in Boston, Massachusetts, he was raised in nearby Arlington, MA. Frank attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he met and fell in love with Eleanor Kallins. After graduating, he proudly became a B-52 navigator for the U.S. Air Force during the Cold War. In 1963, his crew learned of John F. Kennedy assassination while in the air and recalled the tense moments of waiting for orders that would have changed the course of history. The service took Frank and Ellie to Texas, Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and Sacramento and during that time the Driscoll family began to take shape with children Linda Anne, Mary Beth, Francis Daniel Jr., Frederick James, Theresa Jean, and John Paul. Eventually the family of eight settled in Springfield, MA. Frank worked for IBM and then Springfield Technical Community College and Pittsfield Community College. Frank went on to earn master's and doctorate degrees. He was a demanding, respected, and cherished teacher to many. Frank and Ellie moved to East Longmeadow in 1987 to the home they loved dearly until 2024. While Frank grew up in difficult circumstances, his deep faith, children, and a mellowness that comes with age softened him into an incredibly kind, generous, and caring man. He remained that way until the moment he died, just over a year after Ellie. Frank passed away among family, friends, and caretakers who came to love him at Orchard Valley, where he and Ellie were treated exceptionally well. A special thank you to all the caregivers at Orchard Valley who gave great care and comfort to Frank. A Private service will be held in September. To send a flower arrangement in memory of Francis "Frank" D. Driscoll ,PhD, please click here to visit our sympathy store.