The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Driscoll honored as Lord Mayor
TORRINGTON — Tim Driscoll was a dedicated member of the community who encouraged all he knew to value volunteers, to give of themselves any way they could, and to remember the importance of family.
His dedication to his annual telethon to support St. Jude’s Research Hospital, which celebrated its 40th year this month, was just one of the many efforts he spearheaded in Torrington. Driscoll died in 2016.
On Monday, Driscoll’s family gathered outside City Hall to raise the Irish flag and posthumously name him Lord Mayor of Torrington for 2019.
The honor is bestowed annually to a member of the Torrington community who has gone above and beyond for the city. In Driscoll’s case, Mayor Elinor Carbone said, giving him the distinction of Lord Mayor was a way to carry his legacy for the next generation of Driscolls.
“His commitment to the Torrington community was outstanding,” she said. “It does without saying that he was deserving of this award ... all that he did pales in comparison to the telethon that was held for the 40th year this year. I’m incredibly touched to be able to do this today.”
Driscoll’s wife Cathy, his daughter Kristin Raymond, her husband Paul, their three young daughters, his daughter Kyla and her family were invited first to Carbone’s office, where the women and children received special St. Patrick’s Day corsages and little pins on their coats. Kristin Raymond signed a declaration naming her father Lord Mayor of Torrington for March 19. After that, the family and a small group of supporters including representatives of the Irish American community walked to the flagpole outside City Hall to raise the Irish flag, assisted by City Hall custodian John Lombardi.
“It’s hard to believe he’s been gone for three years,” Kristin Raymond said. “I know dad is looking down on us, and I’m sure he’s wearing his ugly green sweater. Even though he’s gone, the fact that he’s still being honored after three years is wonderful ... it means a lot.”
After the ceremony, guests were invited to the auditorium for a reception and a performance by the McCardle Dancers, an Irish dance group.
“Tim Driscoll spent years giving back to his community. His contributions are evidenced through his work as a City Councilman from 1989 to 1993, as well as hosting City Views for many years,” Carbone said. “He is remembered and loved for his tireless commitment to raising money for St. Jude’s Research Hospital, founding the “Tim Driscoll St. Jude’s Telethon” in Torrington in 1979. Since his passing, his children have honored him by caring on this legacy.”
Driscoll was proud of his Irish heritage, instilling a sense of Irish pride in his family. O’Driscoll was most prominent in County Cork and County Kerry. In 1973 Tim married Catherine Bauer, and together they raised four children, Kyla, Tim Jr., Kevin and Kristin.
Driscoll was born in Torrington on August 12, 1947, son of the late Margaret (Kittle) Driscoll and the late Paul Driscoll. He graduated from Torrington High School in 1965 and the New England Institute of Anatomy, Embalming, and Funeral Directing in 1967. He owned the Driscoll Mortuary for more than 40 years prior to his retirement.
According to the family, Driscoll was very proud of his Irish descent. “He often spoke of his family’s Irish history and instilled a sense of Irish pride in our family,” they said. “The Driscoll Coat of Arms was framed in the family home, and had so much meaning to the family that both Tim Jr. and Kevin got it tattooed on their arms.”
According to the family, one of his favorite pastimes was spending time with his family at their family cottage at Highland Lake. He enjoyed many hours watering the lawn, going for boat rides, and teaching his children to water ski. “As time passed, his children got married and had children. He loved his grandchildren with all his heart,” family members said. “He had nine grandchildren, two of which he wasn’t able to meet prior to his passing. He couldn’t wait to hold his twin granddaughters and often said he wouldn’t die until he did so. The twins spent five weeks in the hospital, and when they came home from the hospital —and so did Tim around the same time — Driscoll held them, three days before his death.
Driscoll was active in many organizations, both elected and in volunteer positions. He was a member of the Civitan Club and the Elks Club among many other organizations and committees.