Raymond Cornelius Driscoll

It is with great sadness that we announce that Raymond Cornelius Driscoll’s journey through life ended on January 1, 2019. Ray was born in the house he lived in for over 91 years in East Longmeadow, a son of the late Cornelius J. and Gladys A. (Currier) Driscoll, and was a graduate of the former Springfield Trade School where he played and lettered on the varsity football team. Upon graduating from high school he enlisted in the United States Navy during WW II. He traveled around the world at the age of 18 and was the recipient of the WW II victory Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal (Europe) and the Good Conduct Medal. After his honorable discharge from active duty, Ray returned home to civilian life where he began a 41 year career as a bus driver with the former Springfield Street Railway currently known as the PVTA from which he retired in 1992. Ray was a member of the East Longmeadow Italian-American Veteran’s Sistro Club. He enjoyed following the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, as well as bird watching, fishing, bowling, playing cards, gardening and mushrooming. Ray and his family enjoyed yearly vacations spending quality time with his family and friends during the summer and autumn months at his camp in Washington, NH, as well as vacations in Micquamicut, RI. Ray was an avid outdoorsman who was renowned for his hunting skills amongst the gang who hunted annually during the fall months in Washington, NH. He was also well known for his natural abilities of shooting a low round at numerous golf clubs in the Greater Springfield area and beyond. As his loving daughters mentioned “Ray will be remembered as a true gentleman” and will be greatly missed by many. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Catherine Rose (Verteramo) Driscoll who died on February 4, 2009 and will be lovingly remembered as an exceptional father by his two daughters, Jill M. Bonavita of Springfield and her companion Jimmy Beucke, and Cathy A. Driscoll with whom he shared his home of East Longmeadow; his brother, Stuart Driscoll and his wife Susan of Covina, CA; his two cherished grandchildren, Ashley M. Bonavita and her partner Anders DiPinto, and Paul J. Bonavita and his fiancée Fabina Pereyra; the light of his life, his great-granddaughter, Briella Rose; his faithful and loyal companion Bow his beagle; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends, colleagues and the hunting and golf gangs. Relatives and friends are welcome to gather on Saturday, January 5th from 8:00 till 9:00 AM at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Michael’s Church, 128 Maple Street, in East Longmeadow. Burial and Military Honors will conclude in the Driscoll family lot at St. Michael’s Cemetery, 1601 State Street in Springfield. In lieu of flowers contributions in Ray’s memory may be directed to the Dakin Humane Society, 171 Union St., Springfield, MA 01105.