William (Bill) Joseph O'Driscoll
January 7, 1937 to December 28, 2022
Obituary
Passed away suddenly at Winslow Ridge Retirement Living in St. John’s on December 28th, 2022, he will be dearly missed by a large and loving family – sisters Agnes (Ron) Richard, Gander, Molly O’Driscoll – Croke (late Bill), Toronto, Anne (Len) Woodford, St. John’s and Joan (Doug) Kavanagh, Bauline, sisters-in-laws Marg O’Driscoll (late Paul) Mount Pearl, May O’Driscoll (late Cyril) St. John’s, Rita O’Driscoll (late Gerard) Guelph, ON, as well as close and dear friends Betty Murray and Anne Lawlor. Bill will also be missed by numerous nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, grand- nieces and many other relatives and friends.
Throughout his life Bill was a strong advocate in many areas ranging from education to politics. Education, educational pursuits and educational promotion were the guiding principles of his life and career.
At the early age of fourteen Bill graduated with an Electoral High School Scholarship from St. Anne’s High School in Conception Hr. He went on to study at St. Bon’s for Grade XII and at Memorial University and University of Ottawa.
His teaching career took him to Roncalli High School Avondale and Gonzaga High School at St. John’s.
When he took office as Executive Director of the Newfoundland Teacher’s Association he was a strong negotiator in the development and establishment of an up-to-date pension plan for teachers and as well as in developing a Credit Union oriented for teachers benefits.
Following his MBA studies he took the leadership role of Superintendent of the Catholic School System of Newfoundland until his retirement.
With his quiet and unassuming demeanor Bill always felt it was important to give of his knowledge and time by serving on various committees and associations ranging from sports, to health, to finances, to administration etc. He left a legacy of kindness and generosity.
Bill is predeceased by parents Annie-Mae and William (Billy) O’Driscoll, brothers Dr. Robert (Bob), Cyril, Gerard, Paul and Linus and nephew Peter Croke.
Our thanks to the caring and compassionate staff of Winslow Ridge Retirement Living.
Resting at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Monday, January 2 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be held from St. Teresa’s Parish on Tuesday, January 3, Mundy Pond Road, at 10 a.m. with interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Live stream link: http://streamingservices.ca/
Don’t think of him as gone away, his journey’s
Just begun…life holds so many facets, this
Earth is only one. Think of him as living in the
Hearts of those he touched, for nothing
Loved is ever lost and he is loved so much.
-E. Brenneman
To all of Bill’s family
Bill was a kind and wonderful friend to my mom Anne. They went on many adventures together, Bus trips & dances. to name a few. He was kind and thoughtful to everyone he met. We were lucky to have spent time with him.. Bill may you feel lots of love & hugs on your journey.
Love & prayers to family
Anne
Maxine & Greg
I would like to send my deepest condolences to Bill’s family and large circle of friends on behalf of the members and staff of the Newfoundland & Labrador Teachers Association. His significant contribution to our Association and education within this province will forever be remembered and appreciated. We thank him for his service and wish all of you strength and peace as you reflect upon his life and the many memories that you hold.
My condolences to Bill’s family. I had the privilege to work with Bill when I was Executive Director of the School Trustees Association. A gentleman, kind and considerate. All though we represented different constituencies we maintained a friendship over the years.,The flu bug prevented my attendance at his his funeral mass. The teachers of this province owe a great debt to this outstanding man. Rest in God’s peace my dear friend.
Kevin
Joan, Doug and Family: So sorry to read of your brother’s passing. Sounds like he was well respected and much loved and will be greatly missed. RIP
Also, didn’t realize that my husband Joe worked with Molly’s late husband, Bill, at the Telegram for years. Take care, stay safe. Joe & Suzanne (Janeway-retired 68-07) Walsh
CONDOLENCES to Agnes Ron and all the extended O’Driscoll family. Bill was an outstanding gentleman.
RIP
Aannette and Michael Boyle
To the O’Driscoll Family:
Our firm had a long and most enjoyable relationship with Bill throughout his years in the education field, his contributions will be long remembered.
Agnes and Anne, Please accept our sincere sympathy on the passing of your brother Bill.. May your many wonderful memories help you get you through this difficult time. Prayers for all of you!
I knew Bill O’Driscoll when he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Seniors Resource Centre and I was the Executive Director. I will always appreciate his wisdom and support during what was a difficult time for the organization.
He will be sadly missed.
I am saddened to learn of the passing of Bill O’ Driscoll. I first came to know Bill when he was Executive Director of the NTA. He impressed me as a man of wisdom, fairness, and integrity. Later I saw these qualities first hand when I was fortunate to be a colleague of his when we both served on the Catholic Education Council. I and everybody else on the Council always valued Bill’s understanding of the education system, and his fair judgement. He was a truly dedicated professional. We have kept in touch over the years. I will miss our telephone conversations. My wife, Ruth and I wish to extend to Bill’s family our deepest sympathy.
Bill was a great cousin who was always ready for a chat when we met. Condolences to all.
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I worked with him many years ago at the NTA Office. He was a true gentleman!
Condolences to his family and friends. May he Rest In Peace!
My condolences to Anne and the extended O’Driscoll family.
Agnes and Ron,
Please accept our sincere sympathy on the passing of your brother and brother-in-law. We hope that your many wonderful memories will get you through this difficult time.
Tom and Sheila Osborne
Condolences to Anne and the O’Driscoll family. I knew Bill from my involvement with the NLTA. He was one of the best. A true gentleman! RIP
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bill’s family, and for the repose of his soul
Hugh Lawlor + Linda Dunne
Family and Friends of Bill,
I remember a good person, a fine man and an exemplary educator. I first met Bill when I was a young teacher at Assumption High School in Avondale. I was always grateful for his patience and his humour.
Rest in God’s peace, Bill.
Bill O’Driscoll will be remembered for the positive difference he made to Education in NL.. As you share your stories and memories of how he lived his life and how very much he meant, may you find comfort and, throughout this difficult time, may you also know the deep sympathy and concern that are felt for you and all your family. May his memory be a blessing.
Sincere sympathy to Bill’s family. He was a man of profound integrity, wisdom and kindness, with warm friendship for all he met and worked with.
Agnes and Family,
Our sincere condolences to you on the passing of your brother. Thinking about you during this difficult time.
I met Bill while attending various functions at St Teresa’s Parish. I found Bill a person that was honourable ,easy to talk to , appreciate others and could smile very easily. It was a pleasure to have known Bill.
Rest In Peace Bill , I have a very strong confidence that you will.
Donald Hart
Agnes & all the O’Driscoll family, condolences on your brother’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Bill was my teacher for two years at Gonzaga. he was a terrific teacher and wonderful human being – so kind and patient. To all his family my deepest sympathy. RIP Bill !
Jim Byrd, Port Credit, Ontario
Sincere condolences to all family..
Pat Walsh, Mount Pearl.
Deepest condolences to Bill’s family. He made significant permanent and positive changes to education in Newfoundland and Labrador May he rest in peace. from Harold and Gerri Stapleton.
My sincere sympathy on Bill’s passing.
Joan and family- very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time- Cynthia and Lloyd Bennett.
Sending my sincere condolances to all the O’Driscoll family on the passing of your loved one.Bill was one of the kindest men I had the opportunity to know along with all the O’Driscoll family. My thoughts and prayers are with you .God bless you all .
Having spent my professional life as an educator in this province, I have to say that there were some special people who were instrumental in my having had a rewarding and challenging career, and Bill was one of them. His contribution to the teachers of this province, through his quiet, calm hand, and his encouragement to get more deeply involved in the NTA (now NLTA) iare two of the reasons why I went on to be president of the association. For those of us who were involved on the provincial level of the association, Bill left an indelible mark.
My condolences to Ann and other members of the O’Driscoll family.
I had the pleasure of meeting Bill at Winslowe as my mom resides there. He attended my dads funeral along with His friend Anne. Every time I visited the home, he would always wave & call me to his table. Always such a friendly gentle man who had a sense of humour & so much respect for others. He will surely be missed when I visit Winslowe Ridge. Condolences & deepest sympathy to the family.
Agnes, Moll, Anne , Joan and families, My condolences to you all on the sudden passing of Bill. He was a true gentleman. Bill accomplished much in his lifetime. May you be comforted by your special memories of family time spent together with your brother. Thinking of you , Yvonne Roach
Agnes so sorry to hear of your brother Bill’s passing. Margaret and I will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers .
Margaret and Eric
I am sorry to learn of Mr. O’Driscoll’s passing. My sincere condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Saddened to hear of Bill’s death – was privileged to work with him often in education concerns – his dedicated leadership was such an inspiration. I’m full of gratitude as I remember him. Rest In Peace!
We are so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing . May he rest in peace.
Peggy (Kennedy) Ronckovitz
My sincere condolences to Bill’s Family and Friends..He was a kind and gentle man, who was a friend to all.
May the support of family and friends help at this very difficult time.. Rest In Peace Bill.
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Have fond memories of this kind gentleman from teaching days. sincere sympathy to his family
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Bill. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Mr. And Mrs. Richard and Kristine and Craig, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Warm regards, Susan and Norm Tobin and family.
Did not have an opportunity to meet this beloved uncle.
His memories will live on through the generations.
My deepest condolences to the Woodford and O’Driscoll families.
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Bill’s passing. Bill and I were friends for seventy-five years and University classmates for seven. We kept in touch throughout the years and last spoke just days ago. I was disappointed when I was not able to reach him only yesterday.. I will miss his friendship and our chats. Ray
I was saddened to hear of Bills passing. A true gentleman who always had a friendly demeanour. Always wishing a good morning as I passed his table in the dining room at Winslowe Retirement Living Striking up a conversationor talking about the weather. I will miss those quick conversations. One who made sure to stop by the kitchen and say thanks to the staff for the meal he had just finished, only confirmed the respect he had for all. Rest easy Bill.
To JP & Bev … we are saddened to hear the news of your uncle’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you, your Mom and Dad and all the family. Cherish the memories… Take care. Annette and Craig