John R. Driscoll Explained

John R. Driscoll
Birth Date:May 9, 1924
Birth Place:Whitinsville, Massachusetts, U.S.
Death Date:July 10, 2014 (aged 90)
Death Place:Belmont, Massachusetts, U.S.
Occupation:Life insurance agent
State representative
Party:Republican
Alma Mater:College of the Holy Cross
Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the 9th Worcester district
Term Start:1975
Term End:1993
Predecessor:Louis Bertonazzi
Successor:Marsha Platt

John Riley "Jack" Driscoll (May 9, 1924  - July 10, 2014) was an American politician and businessman.

Early life and education

Driscoll was born on May 9, 1924, in Whitinsville, Massachusetts, an unincorporated village in Northbridge, Massachusetts. He served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. In 1948 he received his bachelor's degree from the College of the Holy Cross.[1]

Career

Driscoll worked a sales representative for Metropolitan Life Insurance for 31 years.[2] [3]

Driscoll was prompted to run for a seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives after hearing Speaker David M. Bartley comment that House leadership had to overcome the inability of state representatives to make decisions. He first ran in 1974, a year Republicans were not expected to win due to the Watergate scandal, however he was elected by 452 votes.[2]

During his tenure in the House, Driscoll rarely sponsored legislation, but instead worked behind the scenes.[2] He forged strong ties within his district through his constituent work and was considered by local Democrats to be unbeatable. In 1992, he chose not to run for reelection.[2] [3]

Driscoll died on July 10, 2014, in Belmont, Massachusetts.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Book: 1991–1992 Public Officers of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  2. News: Kievra. Bob. Driscoll bows out of race. Telegram & Gazette. May 29, 1992.
  3. News: Nangle. Richard. Driscoll's departure seen as deal to hand seat to Peterson. Telegram & Gazette. June 2, 1992.
  4. News: Boynton. Donna. Former state rep Jack Driscoll remembered. July 11, 2014. Telegram & Gazette. Worcester, Massachusetts. July 13, 2014.