title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
IN MEMORY OF THE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF PATRICK T. DRISCOLL, JR.
WHEREAS, Patrick Driscoll enjoyed a long and highly successful career as an attorney serving the public, and particularly Cook County, in multiple ways; and
WHEREAS, Pat was born in Chicago on October 30, 1942 to Patrick and Bettye Driscoll. They lived in Rogers Park in the St. Ignatius Parish (The Patch). He attended St. Ignatius Grade School, Loyola Academy, and Regis College. He followed his father’s footsteps to study law at DePaul University; and
WHEREAS, Pat began his legal career with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. In 1973, he became Chief of the Criminal Appeals Division where he argued 25 cases before the Illinois Supreme Court; and
WHEREAS, after leaving the State's Attorney's office, Pat launched a successful private practice for over 20 years representing clients in criminal and civil matters. While in private practice, Pat continued to serve the public through service on the Federal Defender Program and through his many appointments as a Special State's Attorney; and
WHEREAS, in 1999, Pat's Loyola Academy classmate and longtime friend, State's Attorney Dick Devine, asked him to return to the State's Attorney's Office as Chief of the Civil Actions Bureau. As Chief of the Civil Actions Bureau, Pat sat with the Cook County Board for meetings and advised the Board on every major issue including taxation, healthcare, criminal justice, and transportation; and
WHEREAS, after leaving the States Attorney's office in 2013, he "retired" by taking four new positions: Administrative Law Judge for the Cook County Assessor, Attorney for the Electoral Board of Cook County and Cook County Pension Fund, independent arbitrator with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, and an arbitrator on the commercial calendar's arbitration program; and
WHEREAS, his outstanding legal career, and the values that informed it, were a direct expression of his Catholic faith and Jesuit education. These ideals guided his work in the State’s Attorney’s Office, his championing of unpopular causes, his advocacy on behalf of death penalty defendants, and eight terms in the Assembly of the Special Illinois State Bar Association Committee on the Death Penalty; and
WHEREAS, Pat is also known for his volunteer work with the Lions Club and the Chicago Inn of Court; and
WHEREAS, Pat as the chair of the Board of Norwegian American Hospital played a key role in expanding the services available at one of Chicago’s oldest safety net hospitals; and
WHEREAS, Pat, as Sheila’s spouse, was the number one volunteer for the Sheila Tully Academy of Irish Dance helping her to arrange travel and equipment for thousands of performances; and,
WHEREAS, for his service, Pat was the recipient of numerous awards including the inaugural recipient of the Loyola Academy Bar Association Magis Award which recognizes the highest principles and traditions of the legal profession; and
WHEREAS, despite his obvious dedication and commitment to his career and volunteer activities, Pat was not all work. He loved retreating to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with Sheila and his family. He was an avid reader, attended countless DePaul basketball games, and loved walking; and
WHEREAS, Pat is survived by Sheila (nee Tully), his wife of 51 years; their four children, Cathleen (Jay) Dettling, Tara (Chris) Shannon, Patrick (Mary Beth) Driscoll, Michael (Allegra); and eleven grandchildren, Ryan, Nora, Deirdre, and Rory Dettling; Alana, Fiona, and Priscilla Shannon; Maura and Patrick Driscoll; Hudson and Greyson Driscoll; and his siblings Jeff (Maggie) Driscoll and Ginny Driscoll; and
WHEREAS, Patrick Driscoll was an individual of great integrity and accomplishments, a model family man and an inspiration and mentor to many. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends, and admirers. His hard work, sacrifice, and dedication serve as an example to all.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County commemorates the life of Patrick T. Driscoll, Jr., and herewith expresses its sincere gratitude for the invaluable contributions he made to the Citizens of Cook County, Illinois; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to the family of the Patrick T. Driscoll, Jr.
end