ODRISCOLL THOMAS E

CW2 Thomas "FOD" E. O'Driscoll was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 07/08/2014 at the age of 66.5
Lorraine, NY
Flight Classes 68-519 and 68-33
Date of Birth 01/17/1948
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with A/227 AHB 1 CAV in 69-70
Call sign in Vietnam CHICKENMAN
This information was provided by Bob Loebs

More detail on this person: Thomas E. O'Driscoll, 66, Lorraine, passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2014, at Samaritan Medical Center.

Mr. O'Driscoll was born January 17, 1948 in Watertown, a son of Richard J. and Connsuella Beattie O'Driscoll. In 1966, he graduated from Watertown High School and then attended Jefferson Community College.

He enlisted in the United States Army in December 16, 1969 entering the Warrant Officer Candidate Program serving as a pilot in Vietnam. While Mr. O'Driscoll was a Chief Warrant Officer 2 (Pilot) he received two Purple Hearts, an Air medal with 13 oak leaf cluster ( each oak leaf represents 100 hours of combat flight time), one Bronze Star, one USA Air medal from the President signed by the Secretary of the Army and Major General of the 1st Air Cavalry Division (airmobile), 1st Cavalry Division Vietnam combat certificate, 1 Army Commendation Medal for heroism and 1 Conspicuous Service- State of NY, signed by Governor Nelson Rockefeller. After serving in Vietnam, he was an instructor pilot in Monroe Wells, TX. He was honorably discharged on January 11, 1971

On August 5, 1968, he married Altha Rae McDermott at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church with Reverend's Benoit Dostie and Russell Champlin officiating. The couple enjoyed spending summers at Bay Shore Estates.

Mr. O'Driscoll was a Field Technician for New York Telephone and Verizon for over 30 years retiring on December 29, 2001.He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was president of the Copenhagen Hunting Club. Mr. O'Driscoll was a member of the Elks Lodge #496, Watertown and the American Legion Post #588, Brownville.

Thomas was a loving husband and father. He adored his grandchildren and cherished his friends.

Surviving besides his wife; are a son, Stephen T., of Cicero, a daughter, Heather Rae O'Driscoll and her companion David Jenness, of Lorraine, his other son, Joe Parker, of Carthage, a granddaughter, Karlee Rae Wood, a grandson, Aidan Thomas O'Driscoll, a brother and his wife Richard and Lucinda O'Driscoll, Jr., several nieces and nephews. Mr. O'Driscoll's parents died before him.

Calling hours will be Friday 4-8 pm at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A prayer service will be held Saturday at 10:15 am the funeral home with a 11 am mass at Trinity Episcopal Church with The Reverend Dr. Richard Laribee officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Fairview Cemetery, Rodman, NY. Condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com or to face book at calarcofuneralhome.

This information was last updated 05/18/2016

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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