Michael Shannon Driscoll

Michael Shannon Driscoll, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away surrounded by his family and friends after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born on January 31, 1960, in Ogden, Utah, to the late Joseph and Mary Driscoll, and grew up in Somerville, Massachusetts, alongside his siblings.
Michael lived a life marked by integrity, service, and love. He attended Norwich University where he embraced the school's motto, "I will try" – which became a guiding thread throughout his life. He was a proud member of Skull and Swords, forming friendships that became lifelong brotherhoods. They stayed close through homecomings, golf tournaments, and their annual Christmas gathering in Boston.
Michael's children grew up hearing those Norwich stories and spending time with the same brothers and their families. Even in his final months at the VA hospital, his Norwich brothers came to be with him-sharing stories, laughter, and tears. Their loyalty to one another endured through every season of life.
After attending Norwich University-he joined the United States Air Force in January 1983, beginning a distinguished military and aviation career that reflected his lifelong commitment to excellence.
During his time in the Air Force, Captain Michael S. Driscoll served as a pilot stationed at Travis Air Force Base in California. He earned an honorable discharge in September 1986 upon completion of his active-duty commitment. His military decorations and awards include the Air Force Training Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Pistol), Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Ribbon–Long Tour, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Readiness Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Outstanding Unit Award Commendation Medal.
Michael's professional military education included Undergraduate Pilot Training (T-37/T-38, 1983), Pilot Initial Qualification (1986), Flight Instruction Lead-In Course (1986), Aircraft Commander Air Refueling Qualification (1988), Instructor Aircraft Commander, and Squadron Officer School (1986). His dedication to service, leadership, and precision prepared him for his next great chapter-civilian aviation.
Following his military career, Michael became a captain for Delta Air Lines, where he spent decades flying across the world. Throughout his aviation career, he traveled to every continent on the globe, embracing the adventure and wonder of each new place. It was on a Delta flight to Cleveland, Ohio, that fate introduced him to the love of his life, Lisa, a flight attendant whose humor and warmth captured his heart instantly. Together, they built a beautiful life full of laughter, travel, and shared adventure.
After marrying, Michael and Lisa settled in Winchester, Massachusetts, where they purchased their family home and raised their two children. They became deeply rooted in the community and cherished residents of Winchester for over thirty years.
Michael was a devoted father to his daughter, Hannah Small, and his son, Devin Driscoll. He filled their lives with joy, curiosity, and a love of exploration-sometimes even pulling them from school for spontaneous trips to Europe or afternoons at the zoo. Whether flying through the clouds or skating across the ice, Michael lived fully and encouraged his family to do the same.
Hockey was one of Michael's great passions. When he wasn't in the cockpit, he could be found on the ice-playing, coaching, or sharing his love for the sport. As a coach, he was known for his kindness, positivity, and unwavering spirit. Players and friends alike remember him as someone who led by example and brought out the best in everyone around him.
At home, he cherished "FFF"-Forced Family Fun-Friday nights filled with movies, laughter, and love. He found joy in simple moments: reading to his children, playing sports together, or attending Mass as a family at St. Mary's Church in Winchester, Massachusetts, where his faith was an essential part of his life. He instilled in his children the importance of gratitude, kindness, and putting family first.
Michael's generosity and warmth touched everyone he met. From his Norwich brothers to his Delta colleagues, the stories shared about him paint a portrait of a man who was steady, loyal, and endlessly giving. He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation, and his presence lit up every room he entered.
Michael is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Driscoll; his daughter and son-in-law, Hannah and Jason Small; his son, Devin Driscoll; his sister, Maureen Villa; and his brothers, Shaun Driscoll and Kevin Driscoll. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Driscoll.
Though Alzheimer's slowly took from him, it never diminished the strength of his spirit or the love he shared with those around him. His family and friends will forever remember his humor, kindness, and devotion.
Michael's life was a testament to courage, compassion, and the power of trying-never giving up. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for Visiting Hours at the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Winchester, on Thursday, November 20, from 4-8PM, and again on Friday, November 21, @ 11AM followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, 155 Washington St., Winchester at 12 noon. Burial with military honors will be private at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.