John T. O'Driscoll, Jr

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John O'Driscoll, Jr., who left this world on August 7th at the age of 76. John will always be remembered for his kindness, vibrant spirit, and love for his family.

Born on November 4, 1949, in Chelsea, John was the beloved son of the late John O'Driscoll, Sr., and Theresa M. (Arsenault) O’Driscoll. Growing up in Chelsea, he remained active in the community, coaching Little League baseball and youth ice hockey and sharing his love of sports with young athletes. A proud veteran, John served six years in the Naval Air Reserve during the Vietnam War, carrying that same spirit of service into his long career as a firefighter.

Together since they were fifteen years old, John married the love of his life, Patricia A. (Sandquist), on June 13, 1970. They raised two sons, Sean and Kevin. His family grew to include his two daughters-in-law, Michèle and Amber, and his seven grandchildren, Abigail, Alicia, Aberdeen, Aaron, Mikaela, Dylan, and Delaney O'Driscoll. John had countless memories with his younger brother, Richard O'Driscoll and his wife Peg. John had many nieces and nephews, as well as grandnieces and grandnephews, who adored him and affectionately knew him as “Uncle Ody” or “O’D the Great.”

John dedicated much of his life to the fire service, beginning with the Rockland Fire Department before becoming a proud member of the Chelsea Fire Department in 1973. He spent more than three decades serving the City of Chelsea before retiring in 2007 as the Captain of Arson Investigation. He was a proud member of Chelsea Firefighters Local 937.

John had a lifelong love of the arts and was a talented musician and artist. He played the piano and guitar. John expressed his creativity through drawing and painting in many different mediums. He was also an avid Harley Davidson enthusiast and proud member of the U.S. Military Veterans Motorcycle Club (USVMC), where he enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie of his fellow veterans.

John also loved traveling with Trish, and together they visited places all over the world, creating memories and sharing adventures along the way. After fulfilling careers and many years of travel, John and Trish retired to the scenic beauty of Center Ossipee, New Hampshire, where they continued to enjoy their life together.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during visiting hours at the Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea, on Monday, August 10th, from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. We will gather to celebrate John’s life on Tuesday, August 11th, at 9:30 A.M., before proceeding to a Funeral Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Revere at 11:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made in John’s name to Hands and Hearts Hospice, 34 Washington Street, Suite 100, Wellesley, MA 02481.

John leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and devotion to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.