David William Driscoll

David William Driscoll passed away at the Saint John Regional Hospital on the evening of April 15, 2024, following a sudden escalation of a chronic condition.  His family was at his side to support him in his final hours.

David was born on August 24, 1954, in Saint John, NB, as the first child of Frances and David Driscoll.  He graduated from Saint John High School in 1972, and then attended UNB.  

David worked as an optician and contact lens fitter for over 40 years in Saint John, first at Boyle’s Optical on King St., then at Shorneys, and finally for many years at Vogue Optical, until his retirement in 2019.  He took great pride in his profession, and delighted in providing clients with solutions to difficult vision problems. Over the years, he served often on the Council and Committees of the Opticians Association of New Brunswick, and gladly participated in the education of student opticians, passing on his knowledge to all who asked.

A lifelong interest in science and continued learning led David to become an avid amateur astronomer (a member of the SJ Astronomers Club for years), photographer and naturalist.  His wife, Pat, can attest that walks through the woods with David sometimes took an extremely long time, as he paused by trees and rocks to admire lichens and fungi, or stopped to take dozens of pictures from different views of a plant most would think unremarkable.  A Sunday drive could become perilous if David caught sight of a hawk while he was behind the wheel – both driver and passenger would be focused on identification of that hawk, not on the road!

David’s children will always remember family camping trips to Fundy National Park, New River Beach and Mount Carleton, and long-distance hiking with their father along favourite trails.  They became expert at setting up and breaking down a camp at quite a young age!  David also shared many of his outdoor skills with Cub Scouts during the 90’s, both at St. Pius Church and Portland United.

David began to play the guitar as a teenager, then decided to pursue music more vigorously after the children had grown.  After a visit to Ireland in 2011, he became seriously interested in Irish traditional music, and became a member of the Saint John Comhaltas group, spending Tuesday evenings at O’Leary’s in a session with other musicians.  He brought his son Brendan to this group as a keyboard player, and later his daughter Morgan joined to sing in both English and Irish.  Over the years, David became very competent on many stringed instruments, as well as the concertina, and quite adept at reciting amusing poetry and tales.  He recently became a member of the session Craic at the Cask, playing at the Cask and Kettle on Thursday nights.

David is survived by:  his wife of 49 years, Pat Driscoll; his sons Matthew (Laura Cooke) of Quispamsis and Brendan, of Saint John; his daughters Kendra Driscoll (Joe Holland) and Morgan Driscoll (Allen Morton), both of Saint John; his daughter-in-law Catherine, of Rothesay; his brothers Don (Leslee Shea) of Sussex, Sean (Susan) of Quispamsis and Jeff of Saint John; his sister Margo Whittaker (Peter Rye) of Quispamsis, and his stepmom Geri Driscoll, of Quispamsis; four cherished grandchildren – Connor Driscoll, Arthur and Molly Holland, and Ethan Connelly, as well as a not-quite-yet born new grandson, Fletcher; many nieces and nephews, cousins uncles and aunts.  He was pre-deceased by his parents as well as two beloved stepfathers, Fred Stackhouse and Arnold Oulton.

By his family, David will always be remembered as a loving husband and father, generous with his time and eager to share his knowledge of, and enthusiasm about, the world.  His sense of humour (oh, those dad jokes!), teasing, kindness and intelligence will be greatly missed.  We know David will enjoy the challenge of finding out what’s on “the other side”.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Fundy Funeral Home, Westmorland Rd, Saint John, NB.  Visitation will be on Friday, April 19th at 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.   A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 20th at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow.  Donations to the NB Lung Association or to a charity of the giver’s choice would be appreciated. 

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